What is the primary reason that greenstick fractures occur more frequently in infants and children compared to adults?

Greenstick fractures are characterized by a partial fracture in which one side of the bone is bent and the other side is broken. This type of fracture is more common in infants and children due to the unique properties of their bones. The primary reason for the increased incidence of greenstick fractures in this age group is that their bones are more flexible compared to adult bones.

The flexibility of pediatric bones is attributed to several factors, including the presence of a higher proportion of cartilage and an underdeveloped mineral structure. This flexibility allows the bones to bend under stress rather than break completely, resulting in the typical greenstick fracture pattern. In contrast, adult bones, which are denser and less pliable, tend to respond to similar forces with complete fractures rather than bending.

While other factors such as bone density and growth rates play a role in bone health, the specific property of increased flexibility is what leads to the higher occurrence of greenstick fractures in young children. Understanding this aspect of pediatric bone physiology is crucial for recognizing and treating fractures appropriately in this population.