Fifteen-minute consultation: Assessing the child with an elbow injury

Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed. 2021 Apr;106(2):78-87. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2018-316129. Epub 2020 Jul 24.

Abstract

This article aims to provide a concise summary of the key considerations when assessing a child with an elbow injury. Elbow injuries are common with acute elbow trauma, accounting for 2%-3% of all visits to the emergency department. This article will cover history, examination and key X-ray findings, along with a brief guide to management. It is hoped this article will help healthcare professionals who assess children with elbow injuries. Our work is applicable to those both in the hospital and community setting.

Keywords: accident & emergency; elbow injury; musculo-skeletal; pulled elbow; supracondylar fracture.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Elbow Joint* / diagnostic imaging
  • Elbow*
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Humans
  • Radiography
  • Referral and Consultation