Four Complex Joint Injuries

Abstract

In brief Orthopedic injuries are quite common among children, but if treated appropriately, permanent disability is rare. Certain injuries, however—such as supracondylar humerus fractures, meniscal tears, traumatic hip dislocations, and fractures of the distal femoral growth plate—are notorious for complications that lead to permanent disabilities. These orthopedic injuries often appear to heal uneventfully, yet they can result in delayed problems such as pain, deformity, or loss of function. Early identification of these injuries, followed by urgent treatment, minimizes complications.