Common Paediatric Elbow Injuries

Abstract

Background: Paediatric elbow injuries account for a large proportion of childrens' fractures. Knowledge of common injuries is essential to understanding their assessment and correct management. Methods: A selective literature search was performed and personal surgical experiences are reported. Results: We have described the assessment and management of the five most common paediatric elbow injuries: supracondylar humeral fractures; lateral condyle fractures; medial epicondyle fractures; radial head and neck fractures; radial head subluxation. Conclusion: Understanding of the ossification centres around the paediatric elbow is essential to correctly assessing and managing the common injuries that we have discussed in the review. Outcomes after these injuries are usually favourable with restoration of normal anatomy.