Can Manipulation To Treat Nursemaids Elbow Worsen The Humerus Fracture?

Posted on Wed, 23 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 22 Apr 2014 Answered on

Mon, 12 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My son was treated for Nursemaids elbow when he actually has a fracture in his humerus by the growth plate. Can the manipulation to treat nursemaids elbow worsen the fracture in his humerus?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer: Hi and welcome to HCM Detailed Answer: It is possible but not likely. during reposition of nursmaid elbow, doctor manipulate with radius and humerus is usually held in fixed position. So I dont thing that some more damage was done by doctos. However, Some doctors recommend Xrays before reposition is done to rule out such incidents,but other dont do xrays because nurmaids elbow is the first thing to think of and child iradiation should be avoided. So I dont think you should blame doctors for anything. it is important that he recovers with no consequances. Wish you good health. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar