Understanding Greenstick Fractures: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Greenstick fractures:

Greenstick fractures are incomplete (partial) fractures that occur in children and adolescents whose bones are still flexible and growing. In a greenstick fracture, one side of the bone bends and breaks, while the other side remains intact. This type of fracture is often caused by a fall or sports injury, and it is common in the forearm, wrist, and ankle.

Open greenstick fractures:

An open greenstick fracture is a greenstick fracture that breaks the skin open, exposing the bone. This type of fracture is more serious than a closed greenstick fracture and requires medical attention to clean and dress the wound and to realign the bone.

Closed greenstick fractures:

A closed greenstick fracture does not break the skin, so the bone is not exposed. This type of fracture is less serious than an open greenstick fracture, but it still requires medical attention to properly align the bone.

Stress fractures:

Stress fractures are small cracks in the bone that are caused by repetitive stress or overuse. These types of fractures are common in athletes and people who engage in strenuous activities. Stress fractures can occur in any bone, but they are most common in the legs, feet, and back.