Consumer Information

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.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your child's care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat your child.

RISKS:

Treatment of an elbow fracture may cause unpleasant side effects. Your child could get an infection or bleed too much with surgery or an open wound. Sometimes, even after surgery, the elbow may not go back to the way it was before. If left untreated, the injured elbow may grow differently from the uninjured elbow and may become stiff. Your child may have trouble going back to his usual activities, including sports. Early diagnosis of the type and severity of the elbow injury is very important. Call your child's caregiver if you have concerns about your child's fracture, medicines, or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent: You have the right to understand your child's health condition in words that you know. You should be told what tests, treatments, or procedures may be done to treat your child's condition. Your child's caregiver should also tell you about the risks and benefits of each treatment. You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives your child's caregivers permission to do certain tests, treatments, or procedures. If you are unable to give your consent, someone who has permission can sign this form for you. A consent form is a legal piece of paper that tells exactly what will be done to your child. Before giving your consent, make sure all your questions have been answered so that you understand what may happen to your child.

Emotional support: You may stay with your child for comfort and support. Your child may need to stay in the hospital for more than a day. Ask caregivers if another family member can stay with your child when you cannot be there. Bring in something from home that your child likes. Your child may like to have his favorite blanket, toy, or clothing with him.

Medicine:

Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be given to help your child fight an infection caused by a germ called bacteria.
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.
Tetanus shot: This is medicine to keep your child from getting tetanus if the fracture also has an open wound. It is given as a shot. Your child should have a tetanus shot if he has not had one in the past 5 to 10 years. Your child's arm can get red, swollen, and sore after getting this shot.

Tests: Your child may have one or more of the following:

Bone scan: During this test, pictures are taken of your child's bones. Your child is given a small, safe amount of radioactive dye in an IV. Caregivers can look at the pictures for broken bones, infection, or cancer in the bones.
Computerized tomography scan: This test is also called a CT or CAT scan. This is a type of x-ray that uses a computer to take pictures your child's arm and elbow. Your child may be given a dye before the pictures are taken to help caregivers see the pictures better. People who are allergic to iodine or shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp) may be allergic to some dyes. Tell your child's caregiver if your child is allergic to shellfish or has other allergies or medical conditions.
Magnetic resonance imaging scan: This test is also called an MRI. The test uses magnetic waves to take pictures of your child's arm and elbow.
X-ray: This is a picture of the bones and tissues in your child's elbow. X-rays of the elbow and arm may be done to check for broken bones or other problems. Several pictures of your child's bones may be taken. X-rays of both your child's injured and uninjured elbows may be needed.

Treatment options:

Cast or splint: Your child may need to wear a splint or cast to keep the bone parts from moving while they are healing.
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.
Surgery: Surgery may be needed if your child's elbow is badly injured, such as if bones are displaced. During surgery, wires, pins, screws, or metal plates may be used to hold the broken bone parts in the correct place. Other problems, such as trapped nerves or bleeding blood vessels, may also be corrected.

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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