Bone Up on Pediatric Fractures: How PCPs Can Manage Simple Breaks

For physical and behavioral reasons, fractures are common in kids – and commonly referred to orthopedists. In this straight-talking guide, pediatric orthopedic surgeon Kristin Livingston, MD, describes how to discern the simple from the complex and illustrates with numerous X-ray images, helping primary care providers get more comfortable identifying everyday fractures and avoid unnecessary referrals. Bonus tip: when to be concerned about vitamin D levels.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the epidemiology of childhood fractures including gender differences, BMI impacts, socioeconomic factors
• Identify unique features of pediatric fractures
• Diagnose common pediatric fracture patterns
• Identify characteristics and patterns which necessitate referral to a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon