Child with radial head dislocation, what is the next in management:
- a. Reduction with supination
- b. X-ray
- c. MRI
Radial head dislocation is a common injury in children, and it can occur when the child falls on an outstretched arm. The radial head is the upper end of the radius bone, and it is located at the elbow joint. When the radial head is dislocated, it comes out of its socket in the elbow joint.
Reduction is the process of putting the radial head back into its socket. Supination is the movement of the forearm so that the palm of the hand faces up. To reduce a radial head dislocation with supination, the following steps are taken:
Steps to lower the head:
- The child is placed in a supine position (lying on their back) with their arm abducted (raised) to 90 degrees.
- The elbow is flexed to 90 degrees.
- The forearm is supinated.
- The elbow is extended.
- The forearm is slowly pronated (rotated so that the palm of the hand faces down).
The reduction is usually successful within a few attempts. Once the radial head is reduced, the child's arm is placed in a sling for 1-2 weeks.
Safety guidelines:
- It is important to note that radial head dislocation should only be reduced by a qualified medical professional.
- If the child is in pain or if the reduction is not successful, the child should be referred to a pediatric orthopedist.
- It is important to follow the doctor's instructions for care after the reduction.
Creative response:
Imagine that you are a doctor and you are trying to explain to a child what is going on with their arm. You might say something like this:
"Your radial head is the bone at the top of your arm. It's like the ball on the end of a ball and socket joint. When you fall on your arm, the radial head can come out of its socket. This is called a dislocation.
To put your radial head back into its socket, I'm going to have to move your arm around a little bit. This might be a little uncomfortable, but it's important to put your arm back in place so that it can heal properly.
Once your arm is back in place, I'm going to put it in a sling for a few weeks. This will help your arm to heal and prevent it from dislocating again.
I know that this is a lot to take in, but I'm here to help you through it. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask."
Labels
Orthopedics