Does a 5-year-old child with a forearm fracture need minimally invasive surgery?
My child is 5 years old and has a fractured forearm. The area is quite swollen now, and the doctor suggested a minimally invasive surgery. Is this procedure appropriate for a 5-year-old child? Is it possible to avoid the surgery?
Doctor's answer (1)
In general, whether a 5-year-old child with a forearm fracture requires minimally invasive surgery depends on the specific circumstances. If the fracture is relatively mild, surgery is usually not necessary. However, if the fracture is severe, surgery is recommended.
Minimally invasive surgery, as a modern medical technique, offers advantages such as reduced trauma and faster recovery. However, not all fractures are suitable for this approach. Particularly in children, whose bones grow rapidly and have strong remodeling ability, non-surgical treatments such as manual reduction with plaster or splint external fixation may be more appropriate for mild fractures.
However, if there is significant displacement of the fracture ends, especially if it affects rotational movement of the forearm, or if the fracture is severe, surgical treatment may be considered following a physician's evaluation. Minimally invasive surgery can provide effective fracture reduction and fixation, while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues, thus promoting faster recovery and reducing complications.
It is recommended that parents include foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, such as milk, eggs, fish, and shrimp, in their child's daily diet to enhance bone strength and reduce the risk of fractures.
