Pediatric Elbow Fractures

Pediatric Elbow Fractures

July 18, 2021

Paul Nielsen, MD

Orthopaedic Surgeon

What Are the Symptoms of a Pediatric Elbow Fracture?

  • Pain in the elbow after an injury
  • Significant swelling in the elbow
  • Refusal to use the arm in younger children

What Are Common Causes of These Pediatric Injuries?

  • Falling off playground equipment like monkey bars or trampolines
  • Landing on the arm after a fall while running
  • Falls while climbing

How Are Pediatric Elbow Fractures Classified?

  • By Location
    • Supracondylar: fracture of the end of the humerus just above the elbow joint
    • Radial neck: the bone on the thumb side of the forearm bones at the elbow 
    • Olecranon: the hinge part of the elbow joint
    • Medial epicondyle: bone on the inside of the elbow with important ligaments attached

How Are Pediatric Elbow Fractures Treated?

  • Non-displaced or minimally displaced fractures are often treated with a cast for 6 weeks 
    • The break is monitored with X-Rays while in the cast to make sure it’s lined up well 
    • Most radial neck fractures
  • Displaced supracondylar fractures are normally treated with surgery urgently
    • Swelling can become severe and troublesome if these are left untreated 
    • Pins are placed into the elbow to hold the fracture in place
      • These are removed in clinic about 5 weeks after surgery to start movement 
    • Most children stay in the hospital overnight to monitor for excessive swelling
  • Olecranon fractures require surgery if the joint is not lined up correctly
    • Pins usually hold the break lined up and are removed a few months later
  • Medial epicondyle fractures are usually fixed if displaced 
    • 1 or 2 screws hold the broken piece back in place
    • This is usually an same-day, outpatient surgery

Concerned about an elbow fracture for your child? Call 308-865-2570 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Nielsen today. Same day appointments typically available. No referral required.

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About the Author

Paul Nielsen, MD is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand, elbow, and shoulder surgery at New West Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Surgery in Kearney, NE.

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