Abstract
It is well known that fractures in children are rarely associated with nonunions because osteogenesis in this age group is rapid and abundant. It is quite possible, also, that another reason for their rapid repair is the fact that they subject their fractured extremities to functional activities a great deal sooner than do most adults. A child with a fractured femur suspended in Bryan’s traction moves about restlessly within a very short time, undoubtedly using his musculature and creating motion at the fracture site. Abundant periosteal callus readily develops. A youngster with a tibial fracture immobilized in a long-leg “non-weight-bearing cast” rarely remains non-weight bearing. As soon as the acute symptoms subside he begins weight bearing and overcomes the hindrance the cast causes him in carrying out his playful activities.