Abstract
Musculoskeletal injuries are one of the most frequently encountered problems in pediatric practice, with fractures accounting for a surprisingly large percentage of these injuries. A fracture occurs when bone is subjected to more energy than it can absorb. Pediatric healthcare providers must have a good understanding of normal bone growth and development and must recognize common mechanisms of injury and fracture patterns seen in children. Nearly 20% of children who present with an injury have a fracture, and it is estimated that 42% of boys and 27% of girls will sustain a fracture during childhood (Wilkins, 1996). The immature skeleton has several unique properties that directly affect the management of fractures in children.