Elbow fractures in children: Things you should know!

Elbow fractures in children often include the lower parts of the upper arm bone (these types of fractures are called distal humerus or supracondylar fractures).

There are three types of fractures:

• Minimal or no displacement. This means that the bone is in good position and will likely remain there.

• Angulated fracture that is partially displaced. This means that a portion of the bone is in the correct place. The portion that is not in the correct place is bent away from itself will need to be pushed back into place.

• Completely displaced. This means that the bone is no longer in correct position. The bone will need to be put back in alignment (reduced ).

What are the causes?

Elbow fractures are often caused by falling on an outstretched arm. They can also be caused by trauma related to sports or activities. The way the elbow is injured will influence the type of fracture that results.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Severe pain in the elbow or forearm. Numbness of the hand (if the nerve is injured).

How is this treated?

• To treat a minimal or no displacement fracture, the elbow will be held in place (immobilized) with a material or device to keep it from moving (splint ).

• To treat an angulated fracture that is partially displaced, the elbow will be immobilized with a splint. The splint will go from your child's armpit to his or her knuckles. Children with this type of fracture need to stay at the hospital so a health care provider can check for possible nerve or blood vessel damage.

• To treat a completely displaced fracture, the bone pieces will be put into a good position without surgery (closed reduction ). If the closed reduction is unsuccessful, a procedure called pin fixation or surgery (open reduction ) will be done to get the broken bones back into position.

Follow these instructions at home before reaching your doctor:

Only give your child over-the-counter or prescription medicines for pain, discomfort, or fever as directed by the health care provider.

Use a splint to carefully immobilize your childs elbow.

Keep observing for danger signs like: Paleness of the hand, absent pulse.

Check for the signs for impending compartment syndrom like:

• Anxiety

• Agitation

• Excessive Analgesic Requirement.

If your child has a splint and an elastic wrap and his or her hand or fingers become numb, cold, or blue, loosen the wrap or reapply it more loosely.

You may put ice on the injured area.

Put ice in a plastic bag.

Place a towel between your child's skin and the bag.

Get help right away if:

• There is swelling or increasing pain in the elbow.

• Your child begins to lose feeling in his or her hand or fingers. Your child’s hand or fingers swell or become cold, numb, or blue.