Elbow Injury (positive fat pad)
Emergency Department
Garrett Anderson Centre
Telephone: 01473 702035 or 702036
What do I need to know?
Your child has had an injury to their elbow that has resulted in some bleeding into the joint. This probably means that there is a very small crack/ break in one of the bones in the elbow. This type of injury does not need any specific treatment; it will heal by itself.
More Information
A sling will hold the elbow in a comfortable position for a few days. This type of injury heals well in a sling. In the early stages it is important to give your child appropriate doses of paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with the pain.
We would expect the elbow to be painful for 2-3 weeks.
Your child should be allowed to use the arm as the pain settles. Although specific exercises are not necessary, early movement of the elbow helps recovery. You would expect the elbow to regain its ability to fully straighten after 4-6 weeks.
Your child may return to sports such as swimming as soon as comfortable but should avoid things like climbing frames, trampolines, and contact sports (such as football, netball, rugby, basketball) for six weeks.
If the pain gets worse or lasts more than eight weeks, or you are concerned about your child’s elbow, contact the Fracture Clinic on: 01473 704683
Monday to Friday, 8 am – 12 noon.
If there is no answer, please leave a message and a member of the team will contact you.
Please let them know:
- your name;
- your hospital number;
- the date of your Emergency Department attendance; and
- your contact number.
If the problem is of an urgent nature, advice can be obtained 24 hours a day by telephoning 111 or by telephoning/ attending the Emergency Department
(01473 702035 or 702036).