Elbow Fracture for Urgent Care Providers

Description

​​Elbow fractures are one of the most common fractures in the pediatric age group. Most children recover from these fractures without any long-term problems in function. However, due to the anatomy of the elbow, elbow fractures do carry a relatively high risk of permanent deficits in function, especially if not managed properly. This online course approaches the evaluation and management of pediatric elbow fractures from a general pediatrics perspective in the acute, non-emergent setting. This course focuses on key skills for pediatric urgent care providers, including the recognition of orthopedic emergencies, interpretation of elbow x-rays, and the ability to splint fractures until definitive management. It is not intended to provide comprehensive instruction on elbow fractures. The content is informed by the most up-to-date literature when applicable, and general orthopedics texts.

After completing this course, you should be able to:

1. Identify potential elbow fracture types based on age of patient and mechanism of injury
2. Perform a thorough neurovascular exam in the setting of potential elbow fracture
3. Identify signs of neurovascular compromise and the urgency of prompt management in pediatric patients with elbow fracture
4. Avoid identifying ossification centers as fractures
5. Identify occult fractures on x-ray
6. Correctly identify and classify supracondylar fractures
7. Identify various common pediatric elbow fractures on x-ray
8. Provide the correct transfer, referral and/or follow-up for patients with pediatric urgent care provider
9. Apply or supervise the application of a long-arm posterior splint for patients with elbow fracture
10. Give discharge instructions to pediatric patients and families with elbow fracture

Course Details

• Start Date: June 22, 2023
• Online Access Expires: June 21, 2026
• Credit Expires: June 21, 2026
• Course ID: 60416

Faculty

​Subject Matter Experts (SMEs):

• Emily Montgomery, MD, MHPE, FAAP
• Amy Pattishall, MD, FAAP

Course Reviewers:

• Ishaan Swarup, MD, FAAP
• Stephanie Holmes, DO, FAAP

Contributors:

• Eric Weinberg, MD, FAAP  
• Pareen Shah Thakral, MD, FAAP  
• Muhammad Waseem, MD, MS, FAAP
• Theresa Guins, MD, FAAP  
• Cheryl L. Jackson, MD, FAAP
• Barbora Nelson, DO, FAAP
• Teresa J Coco, MD, FAAP
• Nehal Bhandari, MD, FAAP

Instructional Designer:

• Sondra Mayes, MS

AAP Staff:

• Teri Salus, MPA, CPC
• Linda O’Brien
• Charlette Blackful, MS