Elbow Fracture In Children

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• An elbow fracture (FRAK-chur) is a break in one or more of the bones in your child's elbow. It may also be called a broken elbow. The elbow is the joint where the upper arm bone (humerus) meets the two forearm bones (radius and ulna). An elbow fracture may be caused by overuse or by badly twisting the elbow. This often occurs by falling on an outstretched arm or on a bent elbow. A broken elbow may also happen while playing sports or if it is hit straight on.
  
  
• Your child may have pain, swelling, or bruising in the injured elbow. Your child's elbow may look deformed and he may have trouble moving his elbow or arm. Elbow fractures may be diagnosed using an x-ray. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT) scan, or bone scan may also be used. Your child's broken elbow may need a splint, cast, or even surgery as treatment. With treatment, such as a cast, surgery, and medicine, complications may be prevented and your child may resume his normal activities.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a list of your child's medicines: Keep a written list of the medicines your child takes, the amounts, and when and why they are taken. Bring the list of your child's medicines or the medicine bottles when you visit your child's caregivers. Ask your child's caregiver for more information about the medicines. Do not give any medicines to your child without first asking your child's caregiver. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements.
  
  
• Give your child's medicine as directed: Always give your child's medicine as directed by his caregivers. Call your child's caregiver if you think your child's medicines are not helping. Call if you feel your child is having side effects. Do not quit giving the medicines to your child until you discuss it with your child's caregiver.
  
  
• Do not give aspirin to children under 18 years of age: Giving aspirin to your child when he is ill may cause a very serious illness called Reye's Syndrome. This could lead to brain and liver damage. Read medicine labels to see if your child's medicine has aspirin in it.
  
  
• Pain medicine: Caregivers may give medicine to decrease your child's pain. Tell a caregiver if your child's pain does not go away or comes back after taking this medicine. Pain medicine can have side effects. Tell a caregiver if your child has trouble breathing, is very sleepy, or has an upset stomach. Tell a caregiver if your child is allergic to any medicine.

Ask your child's caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you and your child may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your child's next visit.

Help your child to rest. Your child should rest as much as possible and get plenty of sleep.

Cast or splint care: Caregivers may put a cast or splint on your child's elbow and arm. This will keep his broken bones from moving while they heal. It may also be used to decrease pain. A cast or splint is made of plaster or fiberglass. A sling may be used to support your child's arm.

• Your child may take a bath when your child's caregiver tells him it is OK. It is important not to get the cast or splint wet. Before bathing, cover the cast or splint with two plastic trash bags. Tape the bags to your child's skin above the cast to seal out the water. Have your child keep his arm out of the water in case the bag breaks. If a plaster cast gets wet and soft, call your child's caregiver. You can dry the wet part of the cast using a hair dryer set on low or no heat.
  
  
• Follow these instructions if your child has a cast:
  
  
  • Check the skin around the cast every day. You may put lotion on any red or sore areas.
    
    
  • Do not let your child scratch the skin under the cast by putting a sharp or pointed object inside the cast.
    
    
  • Do not let your child push down or lean on any part of the cast because it may break.
  
  
• Follow these instructions if your child has a splint:
  
  
  • If your child's splint is too tight, his fingers may be numb or tingly. Gently loosen the tape so that his fingers are comfortable.
    
    
  • Do not let your child push down or lean on any part of the splint because it may break.

Ice: A caregiver may use ice on your child's elbow to decrease your child's swelling, pain, and redness. Put crushed ice in a plastic bag and wrap it with a towel. Place the ice bag on the cast or splint for 15 to 20 minutes every hour as long as he needs it. If ice is put on the injured area for too long or if it is slept on, it may cause frostbite.

Physical therapy: Caregivers may want your child to have physical therapy. A physical therapist will help him with special exercises. These exercises will help make your child's bones and muscles stronger.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• Your child has a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• Your child has more pain or swelling than he did before the cast or splint was put on.
  
  
• There are new blood stains or a bad smell coming from under the cast.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your child's injury, treatment, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Your child has increased pain of the affected elbow that does not go away.
  
  
• Your child's cast breaks or is damaged.
  
  
• Your child's arm or hand feels numb.
  
  
• Your child's skin or fingernails below the injured elbow, become swollen, cold, or turn white or blue.
  
  
• Your child's splint or cast becomes soaked with blood.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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