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Suggest Treatment For Pain In The Arms Post An Accident
Question: Hello, my 20 month old dislocated his left elbow three days ago. It was probably displaced for about four hours before the ED doc manipulated it back into place. He wouldn't use his arm, so they took an x-ray to be safe. His bones are fine, but I'm concerned about the ligaments. He's still painful and won't use his arm. I take the sling and splint off everyday to check him but he doesn't tolerate it. I made an ortho appt for Aug 3rd but that's 10 days after his initial injury. The doc said he was "fairly sure" he popped it back in. Just makes me nervous. There is a very small amount of swelling in the forearm and fingers. Not bad. What are your thoughts? TY!
Brief Answer:
Could be Pulled Elbow.
Detailed Answer:
Hi I am Dr Gopal Goel , Orthopedic Surgeon.
It is very unlikely that we have dislocation of Elbow joint in 20 month old child. Most Likely it would be "Pulled Elbow'' where one bone dislocated from upper joint ( which is radio ulnar joint and not elbow joint). The treatment is manipulation and pain killers + sling immobilization for 3 days. If problem persists then go for a re check up. Also I would not advice to take out the splint everyday to check, as it could delay healing. If it was elbow dislocation , then it would show in x rays. Do not worry about ligament injury at this age-- ligaments are rarely injured. If pain persists then he may need a CT Scan.
Thanx for the question. Please feel free to ask any other question.
Could be Pulled Elbow.
Detailed Answer:
Hi I am Dr Gopal Goel , Orthopedic Surgeon.
It is very unlikely that we have dislocation of Elbow joint in 20 month old child. Most Likely it would be "Pulled Elbow'' where one bone dislocated from upper joint ( which is radio ulnar joint and not elbow joint). The treatment is manipulation and pain killers + sling immobilization for 3 days. If problem persists then go for a re check up. Also I would not advice to take out the splint everyday to check, as it could delay healing. If it was elbow dislocation , then it would show in x rays. Do not worry about ligament injury at this age-- ligaments are rarely injured. If pain persists then he may need a CT Scan.
Thanx for the question. Please feel free to ask any other question.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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