Abstract
The development of paediatric traumatology demonstrates signs of surgical, orthopaedic and paediatric influences. Successive periods of therapeutic strategies may be characterised in a certain manner.
First, almost identical treatment as in adults was applied; thereafter, however, the break-through of Blount's methodology gave preference to conservative methods. Clinical evidence of the remodelling capacity of a child's bone has been almost surprising, which has resulted in a major drop in surgical procedures.
Nevertheless, a purely conservative treatment presents certain demands on the doctor, the patient and his or her immediate surroundings. It involves, in particular, consistent checks of the therapeutic regimen, duration of treatment, tolerance of necessary immobilisation, and individual home care.
The broadened range of osteosynthetic options especially suitable for paediatric applications, has resulted in the current tendency towards precise primary repositions and their reliable fixation. This reduces the necessary treatment vector, in particular in the convalescence phase.
The current, frequently diverging, personal regimen of urban children in particular without any options or craving for active movement and reflecting the load pattern of parents makes posttraumatic rehabilitation care almost a must.