Module 22, General Medical Level

A five year and six month old white male sustained a fall onto his outstretched right arm with immediate complaints of pain and swelling in his right elbow. The child was unable to move his arm secondary to pain. He was on the play ground and the fall was not witnessed. Physical examination revealed swelling, tenderness and crepitus over the lateral aspect of the elbow. The skin was intact and neurovascular examination of the right upper extremity was without deficits.

Question 22A

A full skeletal survey should be ordered to rule out other injury.

Question 22B

Only an xray of the elbow is needed.

Question 22C

Most children's elbow fractures are very simple fractures.

Question 22D

The growth plates may be difficult tell from fracture lines.

Question 22E

A negative xray or one in which no fracture is seen still does not rule out a serious elbow injury.

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