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Condition

Pediatric Broken Bones

What is a fracture?

A fracture is a partial or complete break in the bone. When a fracture occurs, it is classified as either open or closed:

  • Open fracture (also called compound fracture). The bone exits and is visible through the skin, or a deep wound that exposes the bone through the skin.

  • Closed fracture (also called simple fracture). The bone is broken, but the skin is intact.

Appointments

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of fractures are common in children?

What causes a fracture in children?

What are the symptoms of a fracture in a child?

How is a fracture in children diagnosed?

What is the treatment for a fracture in a child?

Meet the Providers Who Treat Broken Bones

Patient Stories

  • Ashby's Story

    "I tried to get up, but my leg was bent and I couldn"t move it," said the 13-year-old equestrian who fractured her femur. Orthopaedic surgeon Emily Niu, who treats children in the Fight for Children Sports Medicine program, came to Ashby's rescue. After two operations and many months of rehabilitation, Ashby is happily riding horses again.

Departments that Treat Broken Bones

    Entrance sign in front of Children's National Hospital Emergency Department

    Trauma Care

    Children's National has the only Pediatric Level I Trauma Center in the Washington, D.C., area and accepts trauma patients from all geographic areas. We partner with the Maryland Shock Trauma System to provide coverage in Montgomery, Prince George's County, St. Mary's, Calvert and Charles counties.

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