391 Multiple Unilateral Upper Limb Fractures in The Paediatric Setting – A Case Report

Abstract

Abstract Introduction 5% of forearm fractures in children have associated supracondylar fractures, hence any forearm fractures warrant careful examination of the elbow, and radiographs taken should visualise the elbow and wrist joint for other injuries. We report a case of multiple upper limb fracture in a child, comprising of lateral condyle and both-bone forearm fracture. Case Presentation: A 5-year-old boy was admitted having fallen from a ladder approximately 1.5 metres high in a playground. The left limb was significantly deformed, with no open injury, and neurovascularly intact throughout. Radiographs demonstrated a minimally displaced lateral condyle fracture of the left elbow, a mid-shaft ulna fracture and a displaced off-ended distal third radius and ulna fracture of the left wrist. Any metabolic bone disease and non-accidental injury was ruled out. CT imaging was performed to completely assess the fracture pattern and discussion with our local regional trauma centre. Given the minimal displacement of the lateral epicondyle, conservative management was decided for this. The displaced distal radial fracture was managed with open reduction and internal fixation with a plate, and the ulna shaft fracture with manipulation and plaster cast application. By 12 weeks after surgery there was full range of movement of the elbow, wrist, and forearm, with complete radiological union.