Introduction

Orthopedic injuries are the most common emergency condition treated in children [1]. The following modules will explore the epidemiology, physiologic differences and management of pediatric orthopedic injuries. An understanding of the bone development in a child will assist the treating physician in estimating the amount of force it took to sustain the injury, alert them to evaluate for associated injuries and help manage the injuries. While one reads through the next few sections, it is paramount to remember that even the most benign pediatric fracture can be associated with a much more serious underlying issue such as child abuse.