Musculoskeletal trauma/fractures

What it is: This covers injuries to children's bones, joints, ligaments and soft tissues, including fractures. Children's bones differ from adults' because they are still growing and contain growth plates, which need particular care.

Signs and symptoms: Pain, swelling, deformity, reluctance to move or bear weight on a limb, or bruising after an injury.

Diagnosis: Clinical examination and X-rays. Some injuries involving the growth plate or joint surface may need further imaging such as CT or MRI.

Treatment: Many childhood fractures heal well in a cast or splint. Some, particularly those involving the growth plate or significant displacement, need realignment or surgical fixation to ensure proper healing and growth.

Outlook: Children have a remarkable capacity to heal and remodel bone. With appropriate treatment, the great majority recover fully.

When to seek advice: After any significant injury with pain, swelling or deformity, or if your child is unwilling to use a limb. Or if you get conflicting views about the right treatment.