PHYSIOTHERAPY AND FRACTURE

[sharon1970]

My son broke his arm above the elbow at the growth plate.  The elbow was knocked sideways.  He had 4 pins put into his arm.  The nerve was damaged so he could not move 3 fingers.  The pins are out now and his hand is improving all the time.  This happened 3 and a half months ago. Does he need any physiotherapy for his elbow as it is quite stiff.  Does not have full movement as before.  Does he need any x-rays to make sure it has all healed properly?

[Kinglear]

Hi there, plz give a bit more detailed info about yourson's age, his condition, esp to which side was the elbow been "knocked" to, and does he have any sensory disturbances anywhere in the elbow joint, forearm or in the palm.  

Physiotherapy is  definitely recommended for your son, since he has stiffness in his elbow, and reduced motor power in his fingers. If you do not start with his physio, the elbow stiffness could worsen and cause further irritation to the nerves passing through it. A qualified physio would usually check if he has any sensory disturbances, and use some methods to provide heat in to the joint, which would loosen the fluid present in the joints. He would also advice you on some home programs, which also has to be done to get the required results.

You could also do something to help you son, till you consult a physiotherapist:

Take a thick towel, and dip it into warm water { not hot}, and wring it till the about 80% of the water is squeezed out. Now wrap the towel around your son's elbow such that it is completely covered. Leave it there for a few minutes, and then ask your son to slowly move his forearm, in such a way that  he stops when pain starts. Repeat the steps , a few more times, when the towel becomes cold. This can be done  2 or 3 times a day.

If he cannot correctly distinguish the intensity of heat and cold  in his elbow , PLEASE DO NOT TRY THIS.


As for the X-Ray, your Doc/physio will advice you if its needed or not.