SCHOOL'S OUT, SUMMER IS HERE: WATCH OUT FOR ELBOW FRACTURES IN CHILDREN!
A Warning from Orthopaedics and Traumatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Levent Altınel
"TAKE YOUR CHILDREN'S FALLS SERIOUSLY!"
Before we knew it, school reports were handed out and the holidays began. Parents who buy their children roller skates, skateboards or bicycles as end-of-term presents in particular face certain risks, because accidents from falls in childhood can have serious consequences. Elbow fractures caused by a simple fall can lead to loss of the arm and, if left untreated, to permanent disability.
Falling onto the elbow is very common in accidents during children's play. Orthopaedics and traumatology specialist Prof. Dr. Levent Altınel notes that children on their summer holidays spend most of their time playing in the park or riding bicycles, and gave important warnings for these children and their parents: "Children often fall onto their hand or directly onto the elbow while playing during this period. A large proportion of fall-related fractures in children occur at the elbow, because when we fall we use our hand or elbow to stop the body hitting the ground. The elbow is also one of the joints with the thinnest soft tissue under the skin, which leaves it exposed to injury."
After a fall, take your child to a doctor without delay!
Prof. Dr. Levent Altınel also gave this information about fractures that can occur in children after falls and knocks onto the elbow: "Elbow fractures are among the most common fractures in children under 8, especially in summer. They must be taken seriously, because they can damage blood vessels and nerves. If not treated urgently, they can cause permanent nerve damage or even, through impaired circulation, gangrene leading to loss of the arm."
Elbow fractures can lead to permanent disability over time!
Prof. Dr. Altınel also advised parents on what to do to get through a possible elbow fracture with the least harm: "If there is local tenderness, swelling, bruising and restricted movement in the area affected by a fall or knock, an orthopaedic specialist must always be seen. In fractures in children after such accidents, the broken pieces often do not separate because the periosteum is thick, and sometimes the fracture may not be seen even on X-rays. Also, because children's bones contain growth cartilage, assessing this cartilage with imaging is more difficult than assessing adult bone. Children who fall onto their hand or elbow should therefore be examined by specialist doctors without delay. A treatment plan is set according to the elbow fracture and the child's age, so that permanent disability can be prevented."
Finally, Prof. Dr. Altınel reminded the parents of children who have had an elbow fracture: "Despite all treatment, in elbow fractures involving the growth plate, complete or partial damage to the growth plate can over time lead to shortening of the arm or angulation of the elbow. For this reason, children who have had an elbow fracture should remain under the follow-up of an orthopaedic surgeon until their growth is complete."
The information on this page is for general information only and does not replace an examination and diagnosis.