ask: BROKEN ARM IN 4 YEAR OLD....HELP

Dear Anon

Thanks for your question - I'm sorry your little guy suffered a broken arm - it's not easy for an active young child!

Since we have no medical knowledge of the kind of break, or the severity, it's difficult to tell you if your doctor was appropriate in choosing this method of healing, as opposed to a re-break or surgery. The bone may not have been aligned properly or cast may not have been placed properly (which I think is what you suspect?) or it may have been done the right way and this lump and bone curve are a normal consequence of this particular type of break and as your son grows, the bones will normalize again.

I think a second opinion is a good idea though, especially if you think your son did not get adequate care - you may want to find another doctor who is not in your son's current doctor's clinic - it'll make things easier.

Do you think you'll schedule a second opinion?

hi..thanks for your comment..I have decided that I am going to get a second opinion..I have read alot about it though and this can happen so I am now not blaming the doctor but I think to put my mind at ease I will get the second opinion....thanks

To Mother with 4 yr. old with broken arm. My granddaughter broke her left arm when she was about 4-1/2 below the elbow and she broke both bones. When all was said and done, she has some movement problems and a knot on the outside of her arm. To make a long story short 5 days ago she was practicing basketball and fell and now has broken 1 of the bones again, she's 8 now. The doctor at the emergency room was concerned about the x-ray, because it looks like her bone is now "s" shaped. Unfortunately the only doctor who could see her on Friday was the same doctor from the 1st time. He recasted her arm and says all will be alright, my daughter is so upset, she is trying to get her in somewhere for a 2nd opinion and has tryed all day and no one will see her because she already has a cast on. We're not sure where to turn to now. So please if you are worried, try to get his arm looked at again. We voiced our worries, all through the 1st break and could not get anywhere. If you know anything that would help us, sure would appreicate it.

Hi Nana3 - I too am sorry to hear your daughter is having difficulty getting a second opinion for her daughter. I hope you will write back to Alison so that we can find a way to assist you, your daughter and your granddaughter. It's sad to see situations like this, and we'd like to help.
Regards,
Pat

Just an update: Nana3 did respond to me, and we've been in contact regarding her granddaughter's broken arm. I hope Nana3 will post the results (and our conversation, so others can benefit from the information).

We'll keep you posted. Thanks!

My boyfriend had the same thing when he was younger ! Doc told him the same thing but his arm is still curved ! He says now that he wishes that they would of re-broken it but they didn't then and no he has pain in that arm often !

My daughter is 5 1/2 years old. She also broke both bones in her left arm below the elbow. The doctor reset her arm in the emergency room and casted her right away. It's been 2 weeks and her xrays are also showing one bone aligned and the other one is way off. Her orthopaedic doctor states that she will heal with no problem and will not have a curve in her arm. As concerned parents we are going to see another doctor to make sure that he is being upfront with us. I understand that not every child heals the same but the more I inquire online the more I see that maybe I should get a second opinion before it's too late.