The elbow: Ligamentous and skeletal injuries

During the stages of child growth, the elbow is frequently a site of injury. Many peculiarities arise, depending on the age of the child and the mechanism of the injury. The most common types of skeletal lesions are supracondylar fractures of the humerus, medial epicondyle fractures, dislocation of the elbow, and radial head fractures; one lesion, which is often present and not to be underestimated, is the Monteggia dislocation fracture. Both the classic form of the injury and the Monteggia-like form are more typical during the stages of child growth. In children, it is rare to come across olecranon fractures as they are typically more common in adults, while fractures of the humeral condyle are more frequent in children under the age of six. Although these latter types of fractures are not so rare, they can be seen due to the fact that children are beginning to participate in sporting activities at an earlier age. The authors considered the general aspects of sports injuries of the elbow in age of growth, the diagnosis, and treatment for acute injuries and possible complications.