The Periosteum is a fibrous membrane that covers the outer surface of all bones and is responsible for providing blood circulation and nerves to them, as well as connecting muscles to bones. This membrane is considered very important for its role in bone growth and development after fractures, as well as in bone remodeling.
The periosteum is thick in children and adolescents – because bone growth and development are very high at this age stage – and as age advances, the membrane gradually loses its thickness
Due to the strength of the periosteum in children and adolescents, in case they suffer from fractures, they can be treated conservatively by moving the bones to a very high percentage to correct deformities, depending on the strength and thickness of this membrane. However, this movement is note effective in those over the age of twenty.
In cases where surgery is required – at this age stage age – less invasive methods can be used by using metal wires and avoiding plates and screws, especially in fractures at the end of bones.
Therefore, in cases of fractures and bone surgeries in children, the position of the bone may appear worrying in X-rays, but due to the preservation of the periosteum’s integrity, the structure is strong and ensures bone remodeling over time.
Wishing you all good health and well-being.
Dr. Mahdi Abd Al-Sahib
Orthopedic surgeon
