INJURY SITE | TYPICAL MECHANISM | PITFALLS/COMPLICATIONS | ED/ MIU/ UCC TREATMENT | FOLLOW-UP |
Dislocation
|
Heavy fall on outstretched hand. Usually posterior
|
Vascular & nerve injury possible.
|
Reduction in ED with procedural sedation as required. X-ray before and after. Above elbow POP at 90o or C&C if adequate pain relief and stability
|
Fracture clinic
|
Effusion without obvious bony injury on XR
|
Various
|
Missed #.Usually radial head # in adults or supracondylar # in children
|
C&C or POP if required for comfort
|
If clinical examination suggests an underlying radial head # then discharge with patient info leaflet If a supracondylar # suspected then refer to Fracture clinic
|
Pulled elbow
|
Traction injury in
toddler but may occur in babies
|
A clinical diagnosis – X-Rays usually not required
|
Manipulate once
adequately. If unsuccessful C&C.
|
None if successfully reduced.
If unsuccessful then advise GP review within 48hrs
|