A preadolescent client seen in the emergency department after falling from a balance beam in physical education class is complaining of lower leg pain. Which of the following should be considered for this client?

Question

1. Muscle tears
2. Ligament sprain
3. Limb fracture
4. Tendonitis of the lower limb

Answer 1

3. Limb fracture

Rationale:
Until puberty, ligaments and tendons are stronger than bone in the developing child. Because the bones of a preadolescent child are more porous, there is an increased risk for fractures. A leg fracture should be considered for this client and not a ligament sprain or tendonitis. Since the muscle system is almost completely formed at birth, muscle tears are not commonly seen in the preadolescent client. Muscle that is almost completely formed is less prone to injury than bone that is not fully formed. Therefore, there is less risk that the leg pain is being caused by muscle tears than by a fractured bone.