Table 1

Simple and stable injuries, criteria and immobilization

InjuryPediatric/adultCriteriaImmobilization after DD
Pediatric clavicle FxPediatric

  • Age ≤14.

  • No indication for surgical treatment.

  • Sling.

Radial head/neck FxAdult

  • Head: Mason type 1; neck: undisplaced.

  • Or positive fat pad sign.

  • Pressure bandage, sling.

Greenstick or torus/buckle-type Fx of the distal radiusPediatric

  • Acceptable angulation-based residual growth.

  • Torus/buckle type: isolated ulna Fx, isolated radius Fx, or both.

  • Greenstick type: isolated ulna Fx or isolated radius Fx.

  • Removable wrist brace.

Fifth metacarpal neck FxAdult

  • Volar angulation <70°.

  • No rotational deviation.

  • Buddy strap and pressure bandage.

Mallet fingerAdult

  • Either bony or tendinous.

  • Treated conservatively.

  • Mallet splint.

Weber A-type ankle FxAdult

  • Dislocation <2 mm.

  • No signs of stage 2 supination-adduction-type injury.

  • Tubigrip and ankle brace.

Avulsion-type ankle FxAdult

  • Either lateral or medial malleolus or tarsal bones.

  • Tubigrip and ankle brace.

Fx of fifth metatarsal baseAdult

  • Fx located in either zone 1 or zone 2.

  • Dislocation ≤4 mm.

  • Walker boot.

Fx of greater toeBoth

  • Either proximal or distal phalanx Fx.

  • Undisplaced.

  • Spica pressure bandage and bandage shoe.

Fx of lesser toeBoth

  • Any isolated Fx.

  • No indication for surgical treatment.

  • Buddy strap.

Bicycle spoke injuryPediatric

  • No Fx based on radiograph.

  • Superficial wound.

  • Pressure bandage.

  • DD, direct discharge; Fx, fracture.;