Kindbenen

Kindbenen is the term for the bones of a child's legs, especially the long bones such as the femur, tibia and fibula. These bones are still growing and undergoing rapid development during childhood.

Growth centers: Growth plates (epiphyseal plates) at the ends of long bones allow lengthwise growth. These cartilaginous regions are susceptible to injury and disease and often guide treatment choices when a child has a fracture near a joint.

Bone biology: The periosteum is thick and highly vascular in children, supporting fast healing. Bones are more pliable, which influences the pattern of fractures, such as greenstick fractures.

Development and alignment: Growth and maturation occur in stages; the rate varies, and X-ray assessment of bone age can help estimate maturity. Common developmental variations in leg alignment, such as bowing in toddlers or knock-knee during school years, are usually harmless and self-correcting.

Clinical considerations: Common issues include traumatic fractures, vitamin D deficiency rickets, and rare diseases like osteogenesis imperfecta. Management emphasizes preserving growth potential, minimizing radiation exposure in imaging, and age-appropriate treatments like casting, splinting, or surgery when needed. Nutritional support for calcium and vitamin D is important for bone health.