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The kids are down for a nap so I can get this off to you quickly. We had a mishap on the playground today. My eight-year-old daughter was holding our toddler while coming down the slide. I was at the bottom to catch them. But the toddler's foot got stuck up against the side of the slide. He was screaming by the time they got to the bottom. I can't see anything wrong but I thought I heard a pop when it happened. Should I take him in for an X-ray or just wait and see how he is after the nap?
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Despite equipment being designed for public safety, unexpected injuries can happen on any playground. In a recent study by one pediatric surgeon almost 14 per cent of all tibial (lower leg) fractures were caused when a toddler went down a playground slide while sitting on the parent's lap. It may seem like a safe thing to do to protect the child, but in fact, it is actually a risk factor for fractures of the lower leg while on the slide.
Like in the case of your son, a sudden movement of the young child can result in his or her foot getting stuck under the other person, twisted, or held flat against the surface of the slide. The continued forward movement of the two individuals puts enough pressure and load on the lower leg to cause the bone to give.
As a result of this study doctors are urging parents not to hold a toddler on the lap while going down the slide. Likewise, it is not safe for older children to hold younger children either. It may seem like you have everything under control until that wiggling bundle of toddler energy suddenly shifts position. It all happens so fast, the parent or adult can't react quickly enough to avert disaster.
X-rays are usually needed to confirm the presence of a fracture because with a nondisplaced fracture, the bones don't separate at the fracture site and the leg doesn't look broken. There are no bones protruding against the skin or poking out through the skin. Sometimes the parent can hear a cracking or popping sound when the break happens. But in all cases, the child develops sudden pain and can no longer put weight on that side. Swelling is also a common reaction to the fracture.
It may be a good idea to call your pediatrician and make an appointment today. At least let them know the nature of the injury. They may consider this injury to be a semi-emergency and get your child in to see the doctor right away today or at most by tomorrow.
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*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. |
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