Greenstick fractures occur almost exclusively in which population?

Greenstick fractures occur almost exclusively in which population?

• A. Elderly
• B. Adolescents
• C. Infants
• D. Young children

Answer: (D)

Greenstick fractures arise from bending forces acting on bones that are still soft and pliable. In children, the cortex can crack on one side while the other side stays intact, producing an incomplete fracture. This pattern relies on the developing, more flexible bone with a thick periosteum, which is why it occurs almost exclusively in young children. In older individuals, bones are stiffer and tend to fracture completely rather than bend, making greenstick fractures much less common.

Greenstick fractures arise from bending forces acting on bones that are still soft and pliable. In children, the cortex can crack on one side while the other side stays intact, producing an incomplete fracture. This pattern relies on the developing, more flexible bone with a thick periosteum, which is why it occurs almost exclusively in young children. In older individuals, bones are stiffer and tend to fracture completely rather than bend, making greenstick fractures much less common.