5 Year Old In Pain

My son broke his arm August 3. He fell approximately 8-10 feet from sliding monkey bars onto gravel, with his arm landing underneath his body. His elbow was dislocated and broken. The ER dr. reset the bone, but had great difficulty doing so.

He was in a splint until we could get home from vacation and then put in a cast after the doctor again adjusted the bone into place.

His cast was taken off on Thursday and he is unable to straighten his arm more than a few degrees from how it was in his cast. Rotating his wrist hurts if he does it too fast. Gentle/medium touch on the outside of his arm on his elbow has him wincing and pulling away saying it hurts.

I just need some suggestions on what we should do, since this is a holiday weekend... I can call his pediatrician, but I am afraid they won't be much help since we weren't dealing with them, just the ortho.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

This is likely to be due to stiffness that often results after a period of disuse and is likely to get better with physical therapy. This is not an emergency and you could consult your orthopedician at the next appointment for appropriate management and get an appointment with a physical therapist if required.
Hope this helps.

Take care!