Supracondylar (elbow) Fracture - Child

What has happened?

Your child has broken a bone in their elbow
This type of break is common in children, and normally heals well in a cast without an operation

Your child will have been placed in a cast in the Emergency Department (ED), and they will have been given a sling to help with the weight of the cast
They may develop bruising and swelling in the fingers
They will be in a cast for approximately 4 weeks

Ensure your child is wearing their sling at all times - the cast can be quite heavy for them and the sling helps protect the break
It may be more comfortable for your child to sleep or sit propped up on pillows
If your child seems to be in pain, they can be given simple pain relief (e.g. paracetamol and ibuprofen)
Encourage them to keep moving their fingers
Keep the cast dry at all times - cover it with a plastic bag and secure it with tape before showering. A wet cast will get soggy and fall apart

Your child should avoid contact sports and activities (e.g. rugby, trampoline, play fighting) while in the cast

Yes, a follow-up appointment in the Orthopaedic Clinic will be requested when you leave the Emergency Department (ED) and you will be contacted about a date and time

If your child's injury is not settling or you are worried about how it is healing, please see your GP - take your ACC form/number with you
Please seek medical attention if you experience the following:
- Increasing pain in the arm or hand
- Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand
- Your fingers go cold or turn blue white, in comparison to the other hand