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My Son Broke His Elbow Back In July Hes Just
Posted on
Tue, 1 Oct 2019
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 30 Sep 2019
Answered on
Last reviewed on
Question : My son broke his elbow back in july hes just turned 8. we spent the weekend in hospital as he should of had it pinned. however the consultant the next day advsied that he wouldnt need the op so took his advice and left the op. we went back last week for his follow up appointment and they expressed concerns as now he cant touch hi shoulder with his hand its no where near and they said it looks like a mechanical issue. They booked him in for a physio app whcih we had today and the physio wouldnt touch his elbow and said they cant do anything for him he thinks there could be bone in the way or the knuckle joint in the way preventing his movement. they have ordered a ct scan for him and will have to wait results. i blame myself now as i agreed for him not have the surgery at the time. What will happen next now as i am deeply concerned for my son
Brief Answer:
There are several factors that determine what will happen next- details below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern. It is normal to feel guilty when something seems to go wrong in the care of your child, but I would say that you just followed the instructions of the doctor and there is nothing to blame yourself about in this case.
As for the fracture: Treatment of elbow fractures depends on the area that was fractured and if there was displacement of the fractured parts or not.
Most of the time, under 10 years of age, the lower part of the arm bone (humerus) is fractured and in this case pinning and cast are necessary to align the bones.
In some cases, when the medial epicondyle is fractured (this is the bony bump at the inner area of the elbow- against the body) but the fractured part is not displaced, the doctor may decide not to pin the fracture but just use a cast for a few weeks.
In general, all elbow fractures are associated with rigidity, even after proper treatment as a cast is put in all cases. Being inactive for some weeks causes the patient to have reduced movement. So, it is normal to have some degree of rigidity and loss function and in this case, physiotherapy is needed.
To conclude:
- there are different types of fractures of the elbow and treatment may vary from one type to the other.
- the degree of the displacement of the fractured parts of the bone is important as well
- depending on the above factors some elbow fractures require surgery and a cast afterward, some are ok with just a cast.
- some degree of rigidity and loss of function may happen with all elbow fractures
- in the case of your son, the scan he is going to have will give more clarification of the location of the fracture, the degree of displacement, how well the broken bone ends have fused together and which would be the best way to further manage him.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
There are several factors that determine what will happen next- details below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern. It is normal to feel guilty when something seems to go wrong in the care of your child, but I would say that you just followed the instructions of the doctor and there is nothing to blame yourself about in this case.
As for the fracture: Treatment of elbow fractures depends on the area that was fractured and if there was displacement of the fractured parts or not.
Most of the time, under 10 years of age, the lower part of the arm bone (humerus) is fractured and in this case pinning and cast are necessary to align the bones.
In some cases, when the medial epicondyle is fractured (this is the bony bump at the inner area of the elbow- against the body) but the fractured part is not displaced, the doctor may decide not to pin the fracture but just use a cast for a few weeks.
In general, all elbow fractures are associated with rigidity, even after proper treatment as a cast is put in all cases. Being inactive for some weeks causes the patient to have reduced movement. So, it is normal to have some degree of rigidity and loss function and in this case, physiotherapy is needed.
To conclude:
- there are different types of fractures of the elbow and treatment may vary from one type to the other.
- the degree of the displacement of the fractured parts of the bone is important as well
- depending on the above factors some elbow fractures require surgery and a cast afterward, some are ok with just a cast.
- some degree of rigidity and loss of function may happen with all elbow fractures
- in the case of your son, the scan he is going to have will give more clarification of the location of the fracture, the degree of displacement, how well the broken bone ends have fused together and which would be the best way to further manage him.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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