A 6-year-old refuses to use his left arm after being pulled by the hand. The elbow is slightly flexed and pronated, there is no swelling or bony

Question

A 6-year-old refuses to use his left arm after being pulled by the hand. The elbow is slightly flexed and pronated, there is no swelling or bony tenderness, and neurovascular examination is normal. What is the most appropriate initial management?

Accepted Answer

Reduce the radial head subluxation

Answer

Order CT elbow before any treatment

Answer

Give IV antibiotics for septic arthritis

Answer

Arrange emergent orthopaedic surgery

Answer

Apply a long-arm cast for six weeks

Radial head subluxation — RCPSC EM MCQ

A 6-year-old refuses to use his left arm after being pulled by the hand. The elbow is slightly flexed and pronated, there is no swelling or bony tenderness, and neurovascular examination is normal. What is the most appropriate initial management?