One of the most common injuries children incur are fractures, which refers to broken bones. Fractures can happen in any bone within the body and are classified differently depending on the severity of the break. One of the most common places for pediatric fractures is the elbow.
Elbow fractures in children need medical treatment by an orthopedic physician or surgeon. Children’s bones are different than adults, and because they are still growing, injuries like fractures can lead to lifelong issues if they are not dealt with quickly and effectively soon after the injury.
Fractures are treated through nonsurgical and surgical treatments, depending on the type and severity of the fracture and how other structures nearby, such as skin, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and ligaments, are affected by the break.
Some examples of fracture classifications are:
- Stress or Hairline – There is a partial break in the bone. It does not cause the bone to break into separate pieces.
- Non-Displaced – There is a complete break in the bone, but the pieces of the bone are aligned correctly with each other.
- Displaced – There is a complete break in the bone, and the pieces of the bone are misaligned. Surgery may be required to realign them.
- Comminuted – The fracture causes the bone to shatter into more than 2 pieces. This type of fracture require surgery to fix. The bone’s pieces must be realigned and structured together once again.
Here are the most common types of elbow fractures in children.
Supracondylar Fracture
This type of elbow fracture is the most common, with the fracture happening in the growth plate of the humerus just above the elbow. It is usually the result of falling onto the outstretched arm while playing games or sports. If the fracture is mild or moderate, it may not require surgery, but if it is severe, the fracture may require surgical intervention.
Epicondylar Fracture
This type of fracture occurs on the tip of the elbow, right at the spot where the bone protrudes. It may affect the medial or lateral part of the elbow and is often caused by overuse and playing baseball and arm wrestling. It may also occur with a dislocated elbow.
Monteggia Fracture
Mongteggia fractures develop when the ulna has fractured, and the proximal radio-ulnar joint has dislocated from the elbow joint. This injury is often accompanied by severe pain, swelling, and restricted range of motion.
Orthopedic Treatment for Pediatric Fractures in Ohio
Pediatric fractures require advanced experience and training to diagnose and treat. The experts at Orthopedic Associates specializes in the treatment of adult and pediatric fractures, including elbow fractures. Our orthopedic team is composed of experienced and compassionate physicians and rehabilitation specialists that offer comprehensive orthopedic care for patients of all ages. In the case of pediatric patients with fractures, our goal is to ensure the broken bone heals properly while preventing complications that could affect growth and development.
For the most advanced care for your child’s fracture, call Orthopedic Associates at (440) 892-1440 or send us an appointment request now.
