Hip Fractures in Children: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

A hip fracture occurs when a bone in the hip breaks either partially or completely. According to Children's Hospital Boston, hip fractures only affect about one child out of every 100,000 children yearly.

Types

• There are three types of hip fractures that occur in children. These fractures are those that occur either in the ischium, pubis or illium bones.

Effects

• Children with hip fractures will have severe pain, swelling and mobility issues with the hip. Some children will also experience numbness and swelling.

Causes

• Hip fractures in children are most likely to happen in accidents such as those that occur in automobiles and on bicycles.

Identification

• A doctor will order an X-ray to identify whether a child has a hip fracture. If the child is in severe pain, but the X-ray doesn't reveal a fracture, the doctor may order a bone scan to get a more detailed look at the hip.

Treatment

• A child with a hip fracture will require a cast. If the hip fracture is severe, he will require surgery.