HomeAnswersOrthopedician and Traumatologyarm fractureKindly check the X-ray of a child and explain whether the fracture is healed or not.

Is 20 % bone union after a fracture enough in a kid?

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Is 20 % bone union after a fracture enough in a kid?

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Sumit Chawla

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Divya Banu M

Published At February 18, 2016
Reviewed AtJuly 25, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My 4-year-old son fell in the play area and got his left arm fractured (ulna and radius). We went to ER and the doctors did the alignment and put him in cast and sling. I am attaching the X-rays before and after alignment. In the X-ray after alignment, one of the bones was not aligned properly. The doctor said that it is fine if it is aligned with more than 20 % of kids. I am attaching both the X-rays. Can you please check and confirm if it is fine? Also, since he is 4 years old, he is not keeping the sling all time and while playing (with toys inside the home), the sling is getting loosened. My worry is that will it delay the healing process. Does the kid always need to be in a sling while in the cast? Please advise.

Answered by Dr. Sumit Chawla

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The reduction is not appropriate in this case, the bone might join in a 4-year-old child but this is certainly taking a risk. The child requires removal of the cast, reattempt at the closed reduction, and application of slab for one week followed by checking of X-ray elbow with the forearm with wrist-anteroposterior and lateral view to confirm whether reduction is maintained or not. If the reduction is maintained, then undergo cast immobilization. Children do not require a sling at all times. The role of the sling is to prevent edema of the limb by keeping it elevated and giving support. The child can play with a well-fitted cast provided there is no fall on the limb, the cast is not soft and broken. If there is anything else, feel free to discuss it further.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sumit Chawla
Dr. Sumit Chawla

Orthopedician and Traumatology

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