Open Reduction And Internal Fixation Of An Arm Fracture In Children

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it? An open reduction and internal fixation (fix-a-shun) of a fractured (or broken) bone is called O-R-I-F for short. Surgery is used to fix your child's broken arm if the break is very bad or happened in several places.

Causes: Your child may have broken his forearm (below the elbow) by falling on his outstretched arm. Upper arm (above the elbow) fractures may happen when the arm was hit directly. Twisting types of movements and overuse can also cause fractures of the arm. A severe broken arm can also happen if hit straight on, like in a car accident. Fractures in children younger than 1 year of age are uncommon because their bones are very flexible and "rubbery." Fractures in these children may be caused by problems with how a bone was formed, tumors, or physical abuse.

Signs and Symptoms: Your child may have pain, swelling, or bruising in the injured area. Your child's arm may look bent in the wrong place or the bones may be poking through the skin. Your child may hold the arm with his other hand to lessen the pain. He may have trouble moving his arm and it may feel weak, numb, and tingly. Or, your child may not be able to move his arm at all.

Care: Orthopedic (or-thuh-p-dik) hardware (screws or plates) will be used to hold the pieces of bone together while they heal. Your child may need a cast or a splint after his surgery. Caregivers may want your child to get up soon after surgery. Your child may be in the hospital 1 to 2 days, or he may get to go home the same day.

• Acetaminophen (uh-c-tuh-min-o-fin) or ibuprofen (i-bew-pro-fin) may help your child's pain. Caregivers may give your child stronger medicine if he has a lot of pain. Your child may need antibiotic (an-ti-bi-ah-tik) medicine or a tetanus shot if his fracture broke the skin. Caregivers may also want you to use ice packs on your child's fracture to lessen swelling and pain. Ask caregivers how to safely use an ice pack. Caregivers may also suggest physical therapy or exercises to help your child get back normal movement in his shoulder and arm.
  
  
• Caregivers pay close attention to fractures near physes (fi-sees) or growth plates. Ask your caregiver if your child's fracture may effect his bone growth. Caregivers will also watch for compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome is pain, swelling, weakness, and decreased blood flow in the muscles of the legs and arms. Children's bodies grow and change every day, so fractures usually heal faster than in adults. An x-ray can show when the broken bone is healed.

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.

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