Dislocation of the elbow joint in children is a displacement of the radius and ulna. According to statistics published in specialized sources, this pathology is attributed to the most common injuries of the upper extremities. This is due to the fact that the hands perform various motor functions, as a result of which they are regularly subjected to great physical exertion. The resulting injuries, along with regular extensor movements, have a negative effect on the general condition of the elbow joints.
Next, we will talk about dislocation of the elbow joint in a child, the causes of this pathology, its symptoms are considered. We will also find out how the treatment and recovery after such an injury is carried out.
Dislocations and their types
In most cases, when getting a dislocation of the elbow joint in children, either one or both bones can be affected. Modern medicine defines three types of pathology:
- Getting dislocation, against which both bones of the forearm are affected at once.
- When an isolated dislocation occurs on the bone.
- When a diverging dislocation occurs on the bones of the forearm.
Next, we consider the causes and factors affecting the receipt of such an injury.
Causes of Dislocations
The main reason for dislocation of the elbow joint in children is getting a closed injury, which causes a fall on the outstretched arm. Similar damage is also caused by accidental stretching of the hands, often small children who have not reached the age of three may encounter such a problem.
When you hit the area of the elbow joint, you can also get a dislocation, which will relate to an open injury. A rather large number of dislocations in the region of the elbow joint occur against the background of traffic accidents, during which injuries to passengers of the vehicle or pedestrians are observed.
Dislocations of the elbow joint in children can be caused by indirect trauma or sudden movements that disrupt normal joint function. Dislocations due to direct injury are extremely rare. Also, such a pathology can occur against the background of some diseases, including osteomyelitis along with tuberculosis. Dislocation in a child may be congenital or acquired. Congenital pathology, as a rule, occurs due to the abnormal formation of the motor system during the development of the embryo.
Now let's move on to the symptoms that are observed in children with such an injury.
Symptoms of pathology
With dislocations of the elbow joint in small patients, the following symptoms may occur:
- The occurrence of swelling at the site of damage.
- Rapid temperature increase.
- The presence of severe pain in the elbow, intensifying even with slight movement. Symptoms of a dislocation of the elbow joint of a child’s hand are rather unpleasant.
- The occurrence of numbness of the damaged upper limb along with the loss of its sensitivity.
- Complete lack of pulse in the lower region of the arm.
- The appearance of intense heat and chills.
- The presence of visually visible deformation of the elbow joint.
- The development of paralysis of the fingers or hand.
Often diagnosed as a dislocation of the elbow joint in children under 3 years of age. Kids can additionally face serious complications, against the background of which capsule rupture often occurs or a brachial artery injury is observed. In such cases, a surgical operation is required, which will eventually restore general mobility along with the functionality of the damaged limb.
Therefore, the symptoms of elbow dislocation in children should not go unnoticed. In the first hours after an injury, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Diagnosis of the disease
In case of pain in the elbow area of the child, parents should contact a medical institution in which the baby will be diagnosed and given first aid. Diagnosis of a dislocation in a child is carried out by palpation of the damaged area. After this, the small patient is sent for radiography. Through the use of hardware examination, the degree is determined, and in addition, the localization of the joint injury, that is, the diagnosis is clarified. Thus, dislocation treatment is prescribed only after a preliminary diagnosis confirms a thorough examination.
Research methods
For this, the following diagnostic methods are used:
- Radiography.
- Performing an ultrasound scan.
- Arteriogram and electromyography.
- Perform heart rate monitoring.
The doctor can additionally refer this category of patients to a neurologist for examination. This specialist determines the degree of mobility of the damaged arm.
First aid
If you suspect a dislocation of the elbow joint in children under 3 years old, however, as in older children, you should in no case try to correct it yourself. It is advisable to try to fix the damaged hand to the baby with the help of a tire or any improvised means (with such an injury, the upper limb must be in limbo). Any movements must be performed with extreme caution, since there is a high risk of damage to the nerves that are located in the area of the elbow joint.
To relieve pain, the victim must be given an anesthetic. Skin lesions that occur at the site of dislocation, treat the child with brilliant green. Then they call an ambulance or it is best to immediately deliver the victim to the nearest traumatology center on their own. This should be done no later than three hours after the child is injured. A child with a dislocation of the upper limb is required to be transported while sitting.
Treatment of elbow dislocation in children
Dislocation in a child is an injury that must be treated only by a doctor. The specialist prescribes constructive therapy for dislocation and performs a number of measures to completely eliminate the pathology. Therapy of elbow dislocation in children is carried out by the method of repositioning the joint in order to return it to its standard anatomical position.
Medical manipulations can be carried out under local or under general anesthesia, everything directly depends on the age of the baby and on the severity of the dislocation. Reduction of elbow dislocation in children is carried out immediately after the damaged limb is completely immobilized. Abrupt movement during medical manipulation is unacceptable, as such can lead to serious complications.
The fact that the damaged joint fell into place is evidenced by the appearance of a characteristic sound, that is, a certain click. Also, dislocation therapy is carried out by massage, and in addition, with the help of a therapeutic gymnastics complex. The use of additional treatment procedures is decided solely by the doctor. Pathological dislocations may also require surgery to restore joint mobility.
In situations where the dislocation is a consequence of the pathology, at first its therapy is carried out. It may take some time for children to restore joint function. It is recommended at this time to reduce physical activity and increase them gradually over time.
Treatment of a child in 3 years of dislocation of the elbow joint of the congenital type is carried out by other methods. Therapy should be prescribed to a child under the age of two years, otherwise he may need a surgical operation along with the constant wearing of medical tires.
Rehabilitation and recovery
Without exception, all patients who are diagnosed with dislocations of the elbow joints must undergo rehabilitation, the purpose of which is to restore the motor functions of the damaged joint. As a rule, the following physiotherapeutic measures are carried out for children who have received a dislocation:
- Conducting ultrasound prophylaxis.
- Performing a massage.
- Conducting laser therapy and magnetic therapy.
Physical education is of great benefit to children with such an injury. Thanks to such exercises, patients recover the functionality and performance of the damaged limb. The complex of exercises for small patients should be performed every day, implementing up to four approaches. Physical therapy classes are carried out for two weeks, after which it is allowed to switch to water procedures. Specialists recommend a visit to the pool with fresh or salt water. In a couple of months after receiving an elbow injury, children can begin to play sports. In this case, the joint of the elbow should be given in metered doses.
Complications
Complications after a habitual dislocation of the elbow joint in a child can develop independently, as well as as a result of treatment. The complications of this pathology include the following: the disease is arthrosis, that is, atrophy of the joint bag, neoarthrosis - the formation of a pseudarthrosis, and coxarthrosis, which is a decrease in articular mobility that can occur during puberty due to hormonal failure in the child's body.
After dislocation therapy, dystrophic changes can occur in the joint due to circulatory disorders or due to sudden movement in the joint. Against the background of surgical intervention in children, large blood loss can occur. Also, the development of purulent inflammatory processes, paralysis, shock, and the like is not excluded. True, the above complications in children develop extremely rarely.
Dislocation Prevention
In order to prevent dislocations of this area of the upper limb, children need:
- Use caution when traveling, especially in the winter season.
- All children must play sports.
- Children, regardless of age, should eat the required amount of minerals, calcium, vitamins and other beneficial substances.
- In case of pain in the area of the elbow joint, parents should immediately bring the child to a medical facility or call an ambulance at home.
Conclusion
Thus, the basis for the prevention of dislocations in a child is, first of all, a careful attitude to health. In this regard, it is extremely important to minimize the degree of injuries of the child, and at the same time limit the number of falls, as it is they who often turn out to be a dislocation. In order to strengthen the joints and increase the elasticity of the ligaments, and in addition, to prevent the appearance of a dislocation, the child should not only exercise regularly, but also do daily exercises. It is also equally important to eat right, observing a balanced nutritious diet, which contains all the necessary vitamins with minerals for a growing body. Proper nutrition will certainly help strengthen young joints.