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Little Fingers, Big Problems: Tips From Our Fracture Clinic

Little Fingers, Big Problems: Tips From Our Fracture Clinic

by | Jul 18, 2016 | Fractures

Did you know that some of the more common injuries we see in young children occur inside the home from normal everyday objects like doors, cabinets and drawers? Young children don’t recognize the dangers associated with these and love to play with them. Since children have naturally slow reactions, fingers or toes often get caught when they slam closed.

We call these crush injuries, and they can range from minor to severe. Gerad Montgomery, Lead Clinical Provider for our Fracture Clinic, says, “Many people don’t realize that crush injuries of the fingers and toes can result in cuts in the skin, nail bed injuries, broken bones and, in severe cases, partial amputation.”

Prompt evaluation by a pediatric specialist is important if any of the following signs are present:

  • Swelling or deformity
  • Skin that is split open around the nail
  • Bleeding from around or under the nail
  • Persistent pain or inability to move
  • Concern for a serious injury or the feeling that your young child just needs to be seen

Accidents happen and we can’t protect our young and curious children from everything, but we have some suggestions to help avoid injuries:

  • Teach young children early that doors and cabinets are not toys.
  • Child-proof cabinet doors and drawers with latches.
  • Be aware of doors and drawers in your child’s environment.

Bumps and bruises are a normal part of kids being kids! However, if your child has a crush injury or breaks a bone, you may call our Fracture Clinic directly at 469-515-7200. Learn more about our Fracture Clinic.

Just Say “NO” to Trampolines – Safety Tips From Our Fracture Clinic

Just Say “NO” to Trampolines – Safety Tips From Our Fracture Clinic

by | May 9, 2016 | Fractures

Many researchers have pondered whether a trampoline of any kind, with any safety features, can be considered safe. Scottish Rite Hospital pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Christine Ho, M.D., has participated in research looking at injuries from trampoline use. For her family, the answer is clear. No trampoline is safe enough.

She warns parents not to be misled by advertisements and accessories promising to offer a safe experience for your young children. “We see too many injuries in our fracture and hand clinics from trampolines, even the ones that have all the safety features from pads to nets,” Dr. Ho says. Since most injuries occur on the surface of the trampoline, nets and pads do not provide added protection.

We typically see broken bones, but trampolines can cause life-changing spine injuries, among other non-orthopedic injuries. For these reasons and more, Dr. Ho, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommend against the use of trampolines in homes and for unsupervised recreational activities. Unfortunately, they know many are still used, and they encourage parents to learn ways to minimize the risk of injury.

Be aware of the following things that increase the risk of trampoline injuries in kids:

  • Unsupervised jumping
  • More than one jumper at a time
  • Jumping before the age of six
  • Poorly maintained or broken trampoline equipment

We know protecting your child is your number one priority, but we also know accidents happen. We want you to know that we will continue to share our thoughts on keeping your child safe, but more importantly, we’re here when you need us.

Bumps and bruises are sometimes a normal part of kids being kids! However, if your child breaks a bone, you may call our Fracture Clinic directly at 469-515-7200.