There will be few people reading this who will be unaware just how important that bone structure is to our bodies. However, it is surprising just how critical they are. Quite apart from allowing us to remain something other than a sloppy mess on the ground, they provide protection and contain important minerals needed. There development is important therefore, so child bone fractures need to be taken seriously.

At birth, bones are little more than cartilage. This natural flexibility helps considerably when giving birth and helps to handle the trauma of delivery which occurs. As growth continues, this cartilage is replaced by calcium deposits which solidify and strengthens them.

Flexibility helps: As young bones are soft and supple, children are surprisingly resistant to serious damage; even as far as survival from high building being heard. However, despite the obvious benefits, things do still go wrong.

There are a number of common breakages which are seen, each being more serious than the last. Bowing occurs only in children; where the soft bone bends considerably but does not break. Similar Torus types are caused by the bone buckling under pressure, but not separating completely.

More serious than these is a Greenstick fracture, which is where the bending on one side of the bone causes the other side to snap. From here, a Complete Fracture is when the bone completely breaks into two pieces.

Major injury: A rare happening, and scary when it does occur, an Open Fracture is when the bone penetrates through the skin. These injuries are seen following road accidents or following any major impact.

Even if a break is only suspected, it is important that medical is sought immediately. Once pain relief has been administered, an x-ray will be required which will quickly ascertain the severity of the damage caused, and advise how best to treat it specifically.

Recovery from child bone fractures tends to quite quick, as they tend to heal very quickly, though they will most likely require the wearing of a splint or a cast for a set number of weeks. Generally, no longer than two months wear is required, except in the most serious of cases.

Other than the initial pain and obvious shock, the worst thing of all about kids damaging themselves in this way is the inconvenience it causes. To avoid all of the hassles and stresses, wearing protective gear when playing sports is good; though they should not be protected from all of lives little bangs and bumps.