Let’s talk through what a supracondylar fracture is and what to expect in the coming weeks.

 

The elbow is the joint where the upper arm bone — called the humerus — connects with the two bones of the forearm. A supracondylar fracture is a break in the lower part of the humerus, near the elbow. These fractures are very common in children.

 

The severity can vary a lot. In some cases, the bone is significantly out of position and can put pressure on nearby nerves and blood vessels. Those children often need urgent surgery. However, in many cases, the break is still well-aligned, with only a small crack or partial shift seen on the X-ray. In these more stable cases, no surgery is needed, and we can treat the fracture in a cast.

 

Children’s bones have excellent healing potential. Even a small amount of displacement can usually be corrected naturally over time without any long-term problems.

 

For these stable fractures, the usual approach is to immobilise the arm in a plaster cast above the elbow. This keeps the elbow in a comfortable bent position and helps protect the injury while it heals.

 

You’ll be seen again in the fracture clinic about a week after the injury. At this appointment, we’ll check the arm, review a follow-up X-ray, and make sure the fracture is still in a good position. If everything looks stable, we’ll fit a more secure cast, made by the plaster specialists.

 

The cast usually stays on for around three to four weeks. During this time, it’s important that your child avoids lifting or weightbearing through the arm, but they should be encouraged to keep the fingers moving to avoid stiffness and maintain circulation.

 

Supracondylar fractures that don’t require surgery usually heal very well. Nerve injuries are very uncommon in these cases — and even when they do occur, they are usually temporary bruises to the nerve rather than permanent damage.

 

Swelling can be a challenge in the first few days. Try to keep the arm elevated as much as possible. If you notice the cast becoming too tight, or there are any changes such as increasing pain, tingling, or pale or blue fingers, please return to the emergency department to have the cast checked.

 

Once the cast is removed, most children are able to start moving the elbow straight away. It’s common to see some stiffness or hesitation to use the arm at first, but this usually settles within a few weeks as they return to everyday activity. Physiotherapy is not normally required.

 

Children can return to sport, climbing frames, rough play and other high-impact activities about six to eight weeks after the original injury, provided there’s no pain and the elbow is moving freely.

 

If you have concerns about persistent pain or reduced movement after this point, you’re welcome to contact the fracture clinic again for a follow-up review.