GENERAL DEFINITION OF PEDIATRIC FRACTURES

Pediatric fractures are a significant cause of morbidity and account for a substantial proportion of childhood trauma-related hospital admissions and surgical interventions. The incidence of fractures varies according to age and sex, with peak occurrence at 11-12 years in girls and 13-14 years in boys. The distal forearm, particularly the distal radius, represents the most commonly affected anatomical region, followed by fractures of the phalanges, clavicle, and carpal bones. The unique biomechanical properties of pediatric bone, including a thick and metabolically active periosteum, contribute to the distinct fracture patterns observed in children and facilitate rapid healing. Fracture morphology is primarily dictated by the type and magnitude of applied forces, leading to transverse, oblique, spiral, greenstick, and torus fractures. The healing process follows three overlapping phases: inflammatory, reparative, and remodeling. Pediatric bones exhibit a remarkable capacity for remodeling, particularly when fractures occur near the physis. Physeal injuries, classified according to the Salter-Harris system, pose a risk of growth disturbances and require careful management. Other common pediatric fracture types include complete fractures, plastic deformation, and greenstick fractures. Complications of pedi-atric fractures include malalignment, growth arrest, overgrowth, and recurrent fractures. Factors such as age, location, and proximity to the physis influence the remodeling potential. An understanding of pediatric bone physiology and fracture healing mechanisms is essential for optimizing treatment strat-egies and minimizing long-term functional impairment.