Patient's question:
A 5-year-old child has a fracture and fragmentation of the lateral epicondyle of the left humerus, with the fracture ends displaced. Surgery was performed on September 12, and the cast was removed after 45 days. They have been practicing upward movements for 25 days, but the arm keeps reverting. The maximum straightening pressure is around 170, and it becomes immovable when pressed downward. The maximum bending extent is just the fingers touching the neck. The shoulder cannot rotate properly, and it only becomes active after some practice. After each exercise, it bends back shortly. The hand is less stiff during practice, but it becomes more bent in the morning, approximately 150 degrees. They lift objects for 20 minutes each time during exercise.Doctor's answer:
After a fracture of the elbow joint and the implementation of surgery, it can easily lead to restricted movement of flexion and extension of the elbow joint. Generally, after a fracture, monthly follow-up X-rays are required to understand the healing process of the fracture. If the healing of the fracture is satisfactory and the condition permits, it is advisable to actively implement flexion and extension exercises. During the exercise period, rebound and stiffness are normal phenomena. In this case, it is even more advisable to actively implement exercises, believing that with persistent efforts, there will be significant improvement.