Orthopaedics
Available locations:
Orthopaedic surgeons diagnose and treat problems with your musculoskeletal system. This includes your bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
Our team of specialists are experienced in treating the full range of orthopaedic disorders and developmental conditions, including traumatic injuries. This allows us to provide a complete range of medical and rehabilitative care for our patients. From surgery and plaster care, to physiotherapy, occupational and recreational therapies, and orthotic services.
Contact us
Call this line if you have a query about your child’s stay in the hospital such as date of admission.
General enquiries:
Outpatient appointments and referrals
Telephone: (01) 409 6130
Admissions coordinator
Telephone: (01) 409 6129
Surgical Waiting List queries:
For Spinal Surgery patients please contact
01 409 6510
For General Orthopaedic surgery patients please contact
Phone: 01 409 6129
For urgent admissions outside of office hours please call the switchboard on 01 409 6100.
Consultants CHI at Temple Street
Prof Mc Cormac
Secretary
Suzanne Butler
(01) 878 4155
(09.30- 12.30 and 14.00-16.00) Monday to Friday
orthopaedic@cuh.ie
Mr Paul Connolly
Secretary Maria Carton / Nuala Butler
(01) 892 1704
(09.30- 12.30 Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri)
orthopaedic@cuh.ie
Mr Enda Kelly
Tel: (01) 892 1728
(09.30- 12.30 and 14.00 -16.00)
Monday to Thursday
orthopaedic@cuh.ie
Mr Conor Green
Tel: (01) 892 1728
(09.30- 12.30 and 14.00 -16.00)
Monday to Thursday
orthopaedic@cuh.ie
Mr Thomas Donnelly
Tel: (01) 892 1990
09.30- 12.30 and 14.00-16.00)
Monday to Friday
Mr Mike Dodds
Secretary Suzy Smith
Tel: (01) 640 6556
Electiveortho.chiconnolly@nchg.ie
Siobhan.McDonnell5@nchg.ie
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Michelle Edge
Desk phone (01) 892 1720
Michelle.edge@cuh.ie
Available at all times for calls during working hours
Admissions, scheduling and inpatient/day case waiting list queries:
Telephone: (01) 878 4275
Email: admissions.schedulec@childrenshealthireland.ie
Our services
Our service is divided into trauma and elective orthopaedic services.
Trauma services deal with injuries such as broken bones, dislocations and sprains.
Elective services are for developmental conditions and musculoskeletal disorders. This might include issues like limb deformities and curvature of the spine (scoliosis), or conditions such as spina bifida and Perthes disease.
Conditions we treat
- Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)
- Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE)
- Limb deformities
- Limb reconstruction
- Neurological and neuromuscular disorders
- Fractures
- Perthes disease (hip)
- Spinal disorder
- Bone dysplasia
- Acquired musculoskeletal conditions
- Sports injuries
- Complex pain syndromes
Related services
Wards
As part of your child’s assessment or treatment, they may need to stay in the hospital. If they do, they will stay on one of these wards:
Meet the team
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Consultant in Orthopaedics
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Consultant in Orthopaedics
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Consultant in Orthopaedics
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Consultant in Orthopaedics
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Consultant in Orthopaedics
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Consultant in Orthopaedics
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Consultant in Orthopaedics
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Consultant in Orthopaedics
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CNS Clinical Nurse Specialist (Plaster Care)
Tel: (01) 4096100 Ext: 2412 or Bleep 8336
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CNS Clinical Nurse Specialist DDH
Tel: (01) 4096100 Ext: 2377 or Bleep: 8355
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CNS Clinical Nurse Specialist Spinal Disorders
Tel: (01) 409 6024 / Bleep: 8640 or email Spinal.Disorders@olchc.ie
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CNS Clinical Nurse Specialist Limb Reconstruction
Tel: (01)-409 6754 or email: lrnurses@olchc.ie
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CNS Clinical Nurse Specialist Pre assessment
Tel: (01) 4282603
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CNS Clinical Nurse Specialist Orthopaedic Oncology
Tel: (01) 409 6100 - Bleep 8368
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Consultant in Orthopaedics
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Consultant in Orthopaedics
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Consultant in Orthopaedics
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Consultant in Orthopaedics
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Consultant in Orthopaedics
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Consultant in Orthopaedics
Page contents
On this page you will find information about:
Virtual Clinics CHI at Crumlin
We run two virtual clinics at CHI at Crumlin:
- Virtual fracture clinic
- Virtual hip clinic
Virtual clinics provide a fast, efficient and safe way to assess your child’s injury or problem.
Virtual Fracture Assessment Clinics (vFAC), is a pathway of fracture care, that takes place following an attendance at the Emergency Department. This is a virtual clinic and you do not need to attend with your child.
The Orthopaedic Consultant at the clinic will review your child’s X-Ray and medical notes and determine if any further care or treatment is needed. It is a safe and fast process for assessing your child’s injury and need for an Orthopaedic Fracture Clinic review. It has greatly improved the efficiency and standard of care provided to Trauma patients.
Previously, a child who attended the Emergency Department with a suspected fracture would have been treated and sent home with an appointment to attend an Orthopaedic Outpatient Trauma clinic for follow-up.
Following a Virtual Fracture Assessment Clinic, your child will be discharged from the hospital with a plan of care, or will be booked in for a follow-up review in a Fracture Clinic, or if necessary, your child will receive an admission date for surgery.
Referral
Your child will be referred to a Virtual Fracture Assessment Clinic following an attendance at our Emergency Department with a musculoskeletal injury.
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a condition requiring early diagnosis and management to optimise long-term outcomes.
The DDH Clinical Nurse Specialist will review the x-ray with the Orthopaedic Consultant.
Following this, the family will be contacted by telephone by the Clinical Nurse Specialist to advise on any treatment plan if required. This can range from referral to an appropriate Nurse led or Consultant Clinic, Virtual Hip Clinic surveillance or discharge.
The referring doctor and parents will receive a letter following a review to inform a plan.
Benefits include earlier x-ray review leading to timely diagnosis and treatment if required, fewer work days missed by the parents, fewer miles travelled to attend the clinic, and less money spent on fees such as parking and dining it also saves resources in the outpatient department.
Referrals
Children can be referred by their GP or Community Health Doctors.
Patient information leaflets
What to expect
When you come to CHI at Temple Street, you will meet many different people. Each member of the Scoliosis and Spinal Team has a different role to make sure your child is ready for their operation.
A few weeks before your child’s surgery, you will be asked to bring them into hospital for the day for a pre-operation assessment in the Day Ward. This is to check that your child is fit for their surgery and to make sure you know what will happen and why.
Some investigations will be carried out, and you will have the opportunity to speak to different professionals about all aspects of your child’s surgery.
Where to go and what to bring
When you and your child come to the hospital, make your way to the Day Ward and check in at the office just inside the entrance on your left. Bring along some of your child’s favourite toys/things and any specialised food or equipment they may need.
Investigations or tests your child may have
Your child may need to have x-rays of their spine and chest and some blood tests. An ECG (tracing of their heart rhythm), breathing tests and measurements of their height and weight will also be carried out. Your child may also need to see a cardiologist.
Who you may meet
- The Anaesthesiologist, who will discuss your child’s anaesthetic in detail.
- The Spinal Clinical Nurse Specialist, who will coordinate your care, answer your questions and link in between the different professionals on your behalf.
- A Respiratory Scientist, who will check your child’s breathing and lung function.
- A Radiologist, who will take x-rays of your child’s chest and spine.
- A Physicians Assistant (PA) who is a member of the Orthopaedic Surgical Team.
You may also see:
- A Cardiologist who will check your child’s heart.
- An Occupational Therapist (OT) who will check their wheelchair, if they use one, or if they need any alterations to their equipment.
Risks of having spinal surgery?
Any surgery carries risks and it is important that you are aware of these before you agree to your child’s surgery. You should be fully aware to allow you to make an informed decision.
Your child’s consultant will have balanced all these risks with the benefits of surgery to decide if surgery is appropriate.
The main risks are:
- Spinal Cord Damage. This can range from slight weakness, altered sensation to paralysis. Spinal cord monitoring may be used to reduce this risk.
- Wound or bone infection.
- Bleeding during the operation.
- Metalwork failure.
- Failure of your child spine to fuse.
Author: Michelle Edge
Version: 2
Approval Date: August 2024
Review Date: August 2027
Copyright © Children’s Health Ireland
Download Full Information Leaflet
Spinal Surgery Pre-operative Assessment For CHI at Temple Street Oct 2024
Welcome
When you come to CHI, you will meet many different people. Each member of the Scoliosis and Spinal Team has a different job to make sure you are ready for your operation and everyone knows the plan.
You will meet some of your team before your operation during pre-assessment and the rest when you are admitted for your surgery. It is our job to answer your questions and make you comfortable during your stay. When you come to hospital for your operation your team will make sure you are comfortable and get you ready to go home.
Doctors
You will meet doctors from the Orthopaedic Team who will talk to you and your family about your scoliosis and different ways of managing it. If your doctor decides that an operation is a good idea for you, they will ask you to meet more of the team.
Physicians Associate (PA)
A Physicians Associate is a health professional who work with the doctors and nurses on the
ward.
Anaesthesiologist
Before your operation, you will meet an Anaesthesiologist whose job is to make sure you are medically fit for your operation. They will explain what your operation involves and the potential risks. If the risks are high, your operation may not go ahead. It is the anaesthesiologist who will give you medicine that will put you asleep, keep you asleep during your operation and then wake you up safely. After your operation, they will work with the pain team to give you pain medicine to keep you as comfortable as possible.
Nurses
The Spinal Clinical Nurse Specialist is the main link between the Scoliosis and Spinal Team, you and your family. Your Spinal Nurse Specialist will meet you at your pre-assessment visit and after your operation. They will answer any questions you have along the way. The nurses on the ward will look after you while you are in hospital for your operation to make sure you are comfortable and give you pain medicine.
Dietitian
It is important to eat a well balanced diet as good nutrition before your operation will help you to recover and heal well afterwards. Your dietitian will talk with you and your parents about what foods you should eat. They will talk about any special requirements you have, such as tube feeding or a modified texture diet, and agree what you should eat after your operation.
Physiotherapist
The Physiotherapist will help you to get back to your normal movement as soon as possible after your operation. This might involve sitting out in your wheelchair or going for a walk on the ward. Your physiotherapist might also give you exercises for your chest to help with your breathing after your operation.
Medical Social Worker
The Medical Social worker knows that having an illness and being in hospital may be stressful for you and your family. They can offer practical and emotional support to help during this time.
Occupational Therapist (OT)
The OT will make sure you can sit out comfortably in your wheelchair (if you have one) after your operation. Your OT can make small changes to your chair on the ward but will ask the local team to look at it again when you are home. Your OT will also make sure that your home is ready for you when you leave and organise any extra equipment you might need.
Clinical Psychologist
Clinical Psychologists work with children who come to hospital to help them cope with all kinds of things. Your psychologist can talk to you about going for your operation, dealing with pain or taking your medicines. You can also talk to them if you feel angry, worried or sad. You can get in touch with them before you operation, during your stay and after your operation.
Your Local Health Team
It is important that your local health team are aware of your scoliosis journey. The Scoliosis and Spinal Team will be in contact with your local health team to let them know about your operation and when you are coming home from hospital.
Authors: Spinal CNS Team
Download Full Information Leaflet
Introduction
We have produced this booklet to inform you and your family about your child’s scoliosis treatment. This is one of a number of resources you would be given.
What is the Spine
The spine, which is also know as the backbone, is made up of 33 bones that sit on top of each other and stretch from under our head down to the bottom of our body. Each of the bones is called a vertebra. In between each vertebra is a disc that helps protect the individual vertebra. The spine supports our body allowing us to walk, sit and move. The spinal cord, is a column of nerves which carries messages/impulses, from the brain throughout the body. The delicate spinal cord is protected by the spine as it travels through the middle of each vertebra.
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine. The spinal column twists causing problems which can also involve the ribs and the
pelvis. For most children, this is very mild and no treatment will be necessary. For a small number of children, early diagnosis and treatment is important to prevent further problems from developing.
Scoliosis is rarely painful in children. It can increase quickly during their growth spurts. It is best treated when a child is young as their body responds better to treatment as they continue to grow.
What Causes Scoliosis?
For the majority of children with scoliosis, 80% of cases, the cause is unknown, it is idiopathic. Their bones develop in a different way which later causes scoliosis. Many conditions affecting the neuromuscular system, nerves and muscles can also cause scoliosis. There is no way of preventing scoliosis.
How is Scoliosis Treated?
Once scoliosis is diagnosed, the aim of treatment is to prevent an increase of the curve. The treatment will depend upon the severity in the curve, the age of a child and if it is interfering with their breathing.
Treatment Options
The best type of treatment will be different for each child.
- Observation - wait and see
- Bracing/casting
- Surgery
Observation
For many children, this will be the only
treatment needed as most curves do not
become severe. A series of x-rays will be
taken over time. Comparisons will then be
made to monitor if the curve is increasing
and, if so, how quickly. Generally children who have a lot of growth left in their development, under 15 year of age, have a higher risk of their curve becoming larger.
With all this information, your child’s Orthopaedic Consultant will discuss with you the benefit of continuing to monitor your child’s growth for a change in their curve or to begin surgical or non-surgical treatment.
The choice of treatment for your child will be reviewed at different stages depending on their needs.
Bracing and Casting
Depending on the severity of a curve, bracing may be an option. The purpose of this is to control the curve and slow
down its development. Bracing or Casting can be a treatment for a number of
years. During this time, your child will be
measured for changes in their Brace or Cast. A plaster cast of your child’s back is used to make a rigid jacket, which is then worn under clothes for 23 hours a day.
If your child begins Bracing or Casting, we will give you contact details for the company who can answer any questions and deal with any concerns you may have about their treatment. You can, of course, contact your child’s Orthopaedic Team with any question you may have at any time.
Surgery
For some children, surgery is their best option for treatment. Depending on the type and degree of your child scoliosis there are a number of surgical options. The Orthopaedic Team will discuss the best option for your child.
Download Full Information Leaflet
Proximal humerus fracture: Non-operative management
Your child has sustained a fracture to the arm (humerus) just below the shoulder. This fracture usually heals well in a simple sling, called a collar and cuff. The sling will help keep your child comfortable while the bone heals.
The first 24-48 hours after injury
Your child will have pain in the shoulder initially. Medication such as Ibuprofen and/or Paracetamol as needed (as long as not allergic) following the directions on the package will help decrease the pain.
Although nerve and artery injuries are very rare with this injury, you should return to the Emergency Department if your child develops numbness or tingling in the hand.
Follow-up appointment
You will be notified by the Trauma Assessment Clinic Physiotherapist with regard to review in the Fracture Clinic with the Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, usually about 7-10 days after the injury. A new x-ray may be ordered at that appointment. You will be asked to take off the sling (collar and cuff) 4 weeks after the injury and allow your child to begin moving the shoulder. No further follow-up is usually required.
After 3 weeks
Remove the sling (collar and cuff) 3 weeks after your child broke the arm. With the sling (collar and cuff) off, your child can begin moving the shoulder. At first, the shoulder may be stiff. The movement will get better with time but this may take up to 6 months. Physiotherapy is not usually necessary.
To decrease the risk of re-breaking the arm, your child should not participate in high-risk activities such as playing on monkey-bars, trampolines or contact sports for 6 weeks after the injury. However, your child can return to low-risk activities such as swimming, as soon as the shoulder is comfortable.
If your child continues to have pain in the shoulder 6 weeks after the injury contact your GP.
Key Points
- Your child needs a sling (collar and cuff) to help heal the broken arm.
- You will take off the sling (collar and cuff) at home after 3 weeks.
- Your child will need to avoid high-risk activities for a total of 6 weeks after the injury.
- Your child's shoulder may need 6 months to fully recover strength and movement.
- If your child continues to have pain in the shoulder 6 weeks after the injury contact your GP.
Download full information leaflet
Stable fracture of the hand
Your child has sustained a fracture to the hand. This fracture usually heals well in a splint or buddy strapping. This immobilisation will help keep your child comfortable while the bone heals.
The first 24-48 hours after injury
Your child’s hand and fingers may swell in the first 24-48 hours after the injury. To decrease this swelling, your child should rest the hand up on a pillow when sitting or lying down.
You should check the temperature, colour of the fingers about every 4 hours during waking hours.
Your child will have pain in the hand initially. Medication such as Ibuprofen and/or Paracetamol as needed, (as long as not allergic), following the directions on the package will help decrease the pain. Elevation is key in providing pain relief.
Signs of a problem
- Severe pain in the hand or the fingers.
- Fingers that are blue or white.
- Fingers that are cold (you can compare them to the fingers on the other hand).
- Numbness or pins and needles in the hand.
If your child has any of these signs, rest your child’s arm on a pillow while lying down for 30 minutes.
If the problem does not get better, contact your GP, or go to the Emergency Department.
Follow-up appointment
Children with a stable hand fracture do not require follow-up with the Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, or need to get another x-ray.
After 3 weeks
Remove the splint or the buddy strapping 3 weeks after your child’s injury. With the splint or buddy strapping off, your child can begin using the hand. At first, the hand may be stiff. The movement will get better with time but this may take up to 2 months. Physiotherapy is not usually necessary.
To decrease the risk of re-breaking the hand, your child should not participate in high-risk activities such as playing on monkey-bars, trampolines, or contact sports for 2 weeks after the injury. However, your child can return to low risk sports such as swimming as soon as the hand is comfortable.
Contact your GP if your child has not regained normal hand movement 2 months after injury.
Key Points
- Your child needs a splint or buddy strapping to help heal the broken hand.
- You will take off the splint or buddy strapping at home after 3 weeks after the injury.
- Your child will need to avoid high-risk activities for a total of 2 weeks after the injury.
- If your child has not regained normal hand movement 2 months after the injury, contact your GP.
Download full information leaflet
Toddler’s Fracture (Radiological Evidence)
Your child has broken (fractured) the leg (tibia). This fracture usually heals well in a simple splint. The splint will help keep your child comfortable while the bone heals. While in the splint, your child should avoid walking on the injured limb.
The first 24-48 hours after injury
Your child’s leg, foot and toes may swell in the first 24 - 48 hours after injury. To decrease this swelling, your child should rest the leg up on a pillow when sitting or lying down.
You should encourage your child to bend and straighten the toes every hour during waking hours. You should check the temperature, colour and movement of the toes about every 4 hours during waking hours.
Your child will have pain in the leg initially. Medication such as Ibuprofen and/or Paracetamol as needed (as long as not allergic) following the directions on the package will help decrease the pain.
Signs of a problem
- Persistent pain in the foot or ankle may indicate a splint that is too tight.
- Severe pain when moving the toes.
- Toes that are blue or white.
- Toes that are cold (you can compare them to the toes on the other foot).
- Toes that cannot curl up or straighten out.
- Numbness or pins and needles in the foot.
If your child has any of these signs, rest your child’s leg on a pillow while lying down for 30 minutes.
If the problem does not get better, call your GP, or go to the Emergency Department.
Follow-up appointment
Children with a toddler’s fracture do not require follow-up with the Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, or need to get another x-ray.
After 3 weeks
Remove the splint 3 weeks after your child’s injury. With the splint off, your child can begin using the leg. At first, leg may be stiff. Your child will limp, this is normal. The movement will get better with time but this may take up to 3 months.
Physiotherapy is not usually necessary.
Occasionally, children who are very comfortable will remove the splint and resist wearing it prior to 3 weeks. In this instance, a simple bandage or no support may suffice with close observation of comfort levels.
To decrease the risk of re-breaking the leg, your child should not participate in high-risk activities such as playing on monkey-bars, trampolines or contact sports for about 6 weeks after the injury. However, your child can return to low-risk sports such as swimming as soon as the leg is comfortable.
Your child will limp for up to 3 months after sustaining a toddler’s fracture.
If your child continues to limp after that time, contact your GP.
Key Points
- Your child uses the splint to keep comfortable as the broken bone heals.
- Your child may begin to walk on the splint, this indicates fracture healing.
- You will take off the splint at home after 3 weeks after injury.
- Your child will need to avoid high-risk activities for a total of about 6 weeks after the injury.
- Your child will limp for up to 3 months after sustaining a toddler’s fracture.
- If your child limps 3 months after sustaining the injury, contact your GP.
Download full information leaflet
Stable foot fracture: Non-operative management
Your child has sustained a fracture to the foot. This fracture usually heals well in a walking boot. The boot will help keep your child comfortable while the bone heals. While your child is in bed, or in the bath, or in the shower they do not need to wear the boot.
The first 24-48 hours after injury
Your child’s foot and toes may swell in the first 24-48 hours after the injury. To decrease this swelling, your child should rest the foot up on a pillow when sitting or lying down.
You should encourage your child to bend and straighten the toes every hour during waking hours. You should check the temperature, colour and movement of the toes about every 4 hours during waking hours.
Your child will have pain in the foot initially. Medication such as Ibuprofen and/or Paracetamol as needed, (as long as not allergic), following the directions on the package will help decrease the pain. Elevation is key in providing pain relief.
Signs of a problem
- Severe pain when moving the toes.
- Toes that are blue or white.
- Toes that are cold (you can compare them to the toes of the other foot).
- Toes that cannot curl up or straighten out.
- Numbness or pins and needles in the foot.
If your child has any of these signs, rest your child’s foot on a pillow while lying down for 30 minutes.
If the problem does not get better, call your GP, or go to the Emergency Department.
Follow-up appointment
You will be notified by the Trauma Assessment Clinic Physiotherapist with regard to review in the Fracture Clinic with the Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, usually about 1 week after the injury. Your child can begin to walk on the injured foot as soon as comfortable. The boot can be removed 6 weeks after the injury.
After 6 weeks
Remove the boot when comfortable (approximately 6 weeks after your child’s injury). At first, the ankle may be stiff. The movement will get better with time but this may take up to 3 months. Your child will limp for 3 months after the injury, this is normal. Physiotherapy is not usually necessary.
To decrease the risk of re-breaking the foot, your child should not participate in high-risk activities such as playing on monkey-bars, trampoline, rugby, or other contact sports for 8 weeks after the injury. However, your child can return to low risk sports such as swimming as soon as the foot is comfortable.
Contact your GP if your child has not regained normal foot movement 3 months after the injury.
Key Points
- Your child needs a boot to help heal the broken foot.
- Your child does not need to wear the boot in bed, or in the bath, or in the shower.
- You will take off the boot permanently 6 weeks after the injury.
- Your child will need to avoid high-risk activities for a total of 8 weeks after the injury.
- Your child will limp for up to 3 months after the injury, this is normal.
- If your child limps 3 months after sustaining the injury, contact your GP.
Download full leaflet
Supracondylar humerus fracture without displacement
Your child has sustained a fracture to the arm, just above the elbow. A backslab (half cast) and a sling are required to allow the bone to heal properly.
It is often easiest to place the backslab and the sling under loose clothing instead of through a shirt sleeve.
The first 24-48 hours after injury
Your child’s arm, hand and fingers may swell in the first 24 -48 hours after injury. To decrease the swelling, your child should rest the arm up on a pillow when sitting or lying down.
You should encourage your child to bend and straighten the fingers every hour during waking hours. You should check the temperature, colour and movement of the fingers about every 4 hours during waking hours.
Your child will have pain in the elbow initially. Medication such as Ibuprofen and/or Paracetamol as needed (as long as not allergic) following the directions on the package will help decrease the pain
Signs of a problem
- Severe pain when moving the fingers.
- Fingers that are blue or white.
- Fingers that are cold (you can compare them to the fingers on the other hand).
- Fingers that cannot curl up or straighten out.
- Numbness or pins and needles in the fingers.
If your child has any of these signs, rest your child’s arm on a pillow while lying down for 30 minutes.
If the problem does not get better, call your GP, or go to the Emergency Department.
Follow-up appointment
You will be notified by the Trauma Assessment Clinic Physiotherapist with regard to review in the Fracture Clinic with the Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, usually about 7-10 days after the injury. The Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon will show you how to take off the cast at home, 3 weeks after the date of the injury. No further follow-up is usually required.
After 3 weeks
Remove the backslab 3 weeks after your child’s fracture. Removing the backslab is not difficult. When taking off the backslab, carefully cut up front soft part of the half cast with scissors.
After removing the backslab, your child's arm may be dry and itchy and look dirty. Use warm water and soap to gently wash the arm and cream to moisturise the skin.
When the backslab is off, your child can begin moving the elbow. At first, the elbow and the wrist may be stiff. The movement will get better with time but this may take up to 6 months. Physiotherapy is not recommended.
To decrease the risk of re-breaking the arm, your child should not participate in high-risk activities such as playing on monkey-bars, trampolines or contact sports for 6 weeks after the injury.
Key Points
- Your child needs a backslab (half cast) to help heal the broken arm.
- You will take off the backslab at home after 3 weeks.
- Your child will need to avoid high-risk activities for a total of 6 weeks after the injury.
- Your child's elbow may need 6 months to fully recover strength and movement.
Download full leaflet
Supracondylar humerus fracture without displacement
Volar Plate Injury of the Finger
Your child has sustained a volar plate injury of their finger. This is an injury to the mechanism that allows your child’s finger to flex. This injury usually heals well but will require hand therapy to minimise stiffness and swelling. Preserving movement is important so no immobilisation is required. It is normal for children with this injury to have a stiff finger for up to 4 months and a small degree of swelling may persist for up to 12 months.
The first 24-48 hours after injury
Your child’s hand and fingers may swell in the first 24-48 hours after the injury. To decrease this swelling, your child should rest the hand up on a pillow when sitting or lying down.
You should check the temperature, colour of the fingers about every 4 hours during waking hours.
Your child will have pain in the hand initially. Medication such as Ibuprofen and/or Paracetamol as needed, (as long as not allergic), following the directions on the package will help decrease the pain. Elevation is key in providing pain relief.
Signs of a problem
- Severe pain in the hand or the fingers.
- Fingers that are blue or white.
- Fingers that are cold (you can compare them to the fingers on the other hand).
- Numbness or pins and needles in the hand.
If your child has any of these signs, rest your child’s arm on a pillow while lying down for 30 minutes.
If the problem does not get better, contact your GP, or go to the Emergency Department.
Follow-up appointment
Children with a volar plate injury do not require follow-up with the Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, or need to get another x-ray. However a close follow up with a Hand Therapist is required.
After Injury
Your child will be referred to a Hand Therapist for supervised rehabilitation. If the Hand Therapist is unhappy with your child’s progress they will refer your child to a Specialist Hand Surgeon who will direct the appropriate treatment. While awaiting review you should encourage your child to perform the exercises shown below in the pictures for 5 minutes at a time 5 times per day.
Key Points
- Your child does not need a splint or buddy strapping to help heal the broken hand.
- Your child will be referred to a Hand Therapist to help them to recover from this injury.
- Your will need to help your child with the exercises given on this sheet while they are waiting for a review by a Hand Therapist. (5 minutes each 5 times per day).
- It is normal to expect stiffness for 4 months and some swelling for up to 12 months after this injury.
- Should your child not make adequate progress with the Hand Therapist your child will then be referred to a Hand Surgeon who will direct further treatment.
Download full leaflet
Volar Plate Injury of the Finger
Collar bone (clavicle) fracture in children less than 10 years of age
Your child has sustained a fracture to the collar bone (clavicle). This fracture usually heals well in a simple sling. The sling will help keep your child comfortable while the bone heals.
It is often easiest to place the sling under loose clothing.
The first 24-48 hours after injury
Your child will have pain in the shoulder initially. Medication such as Ibuprofen and/or Paracetamol as needed (as long as not allergic) following the directions on the package will help decrease the pain.
Although nerve and artery injuries are very rare with this injury, you should return to the Emergency Department if your child develops numbness or tingling in the hand.
Follow-up appointment
Most children under 10 years of age with collar bone (clavicle) fractures do not require follow-up with the Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon.
After 3-4 weeks
Remove the sling 3-4 weeks after your child broke the collar bone (clavicle). With the sling off, your child can begin moving the shoulder. At first, the shoulder may be stiff. The movement will get better with time but this may take up to 3 months. Physiotherapy is not usually necessary.
To decrease the risk of re-breaking the collar bone (clavicle), your child should not participate in high-risk activities such as playing on monkey-bars, trampoline, rugby or other contact sports for 8 weeks after the injury. However, your child can return to low-risk activities such as swimming as soon as the shoulder is comfortable.
Your child may feel a bump on the collar bone (clavicle). This is normal, it means that the fracture has healed. The bump will get smaller over the next few years. In some cases, a small bump may remain.
Contact your GP if your child continues to have pain in the shoulder 6 weeks after the injury.
Contact your GP if your child has not regained normal shoulder movement 6 months after the injury.
Key Points
- Your child needs a sling to help heal the broken bone.
- You will take off the sling at home after 3-4 weeks after the injury.
- Your child will need to avoid high-risk activities for a total of 8 weeks after the injury.
- Your child may have a bump on the collar bone where the fracture has healed.
- If your child continues to have pain in the shoulder 6 weeks after the injury, contact your GP.
- If your child has not regained normal shoulder movement 3 months after the injury, contact your GP.
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Buckle Fracture
Your child has sustained a fracture to the arm (radius). This fracture heals well in a simple velcro splint. The splint will help keep your child comfortable while the bone heals.
It is often easiest to place the backslab and sling under loose clothing instead of through a shirt sleeve.
The first 24-48 hours after injury
Your child’s arm, hand and fingers may swell in the first 24 - 48 hours after the injury. To decrease the swelling, your child should rest the arm up on a pillow when sitting or lying down.
You should encourage your child to bend and straighten the fingers every hour during waking hours. You should check the temperature, colour and movement of the fingers about every 4 hours during waking hours.
Your child will have pain in the arm initially. Medication such as Ibuprofen and/or Paracetamol as needed (as long as not allergic) following the directions on the package will help decrease the pain.
Signs of a problem
- Severe pain when moving the fingers.
- Fingers that are blue or white.
- Fingers that are cold (you can compare them to the fingers on the other hand).
- Fingers that cannot curl up or straighten out.
- Numbness or pins and needles in the hand.
If your child has any of these signs, rest your child’s arm on a pillow while lying down for 30 minutes.
If the problem does not get better, contact your GP, or go to the Emergency Department.
Follow-up appointment
Children with a buckle fracture do not require follow-up with the Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, or need to get another x-ray.
After 3 weeks
Remove the splint 3 weeks after your child’s injury. With the splint off, your child can begin using the arm. At first, the wrist may be stiff. The movement will get better with time but this may take up to 2 months. Physiotherapy is not usually necessary.
To decrease the risk of re-breaking the arm, your child should not participate in high-risk activities such as playing on monkey-bars, trampolines, or contact sports for 2 weeks after the injury. However, your child can return to low risk sports such as swimming as soon as the arm is comfortable.
Contact your GP if your child has not regained normal arm movement 2 months after injury.
Key Points
- Your child needs a splint to help heal the broken arm.
- You will take off the splint at home after 3 weeks after the injury.
- Your child will need to avoid high-risk activities for a total of 2 weeks after the injury.
- If your child has not regained normal arm movement 2 months after the injury, contact your GP.
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Stable fracture of the lateral malleolus
Your child has sustained a fracture to the ankle. This fracture usually heals well in a walking boot. The boot will help keep your child comfortable while the bone heals. While your child is in bed, or in the bath, or in the shower they do not need to wear the boot.
The first 24-48 hours after injury
Your child’s ankle may swell in the first 24-48 hours after the injury. To decrease this swelling, your child should rest the ankle up on a pillow when sitting or lying down.
You should encourage your child to bend and straighten the toes every hour during waking hours. You should check the temperature, colour and movement of the toes about every 4 hours during waking hours.
Your child will have pain in the ankle initially. Medication such as Ibuprofen and/or Paracetamol as needed, (as long as not allergic), following the directions on the package will help decrease the pain. Elevation is key in providing pain relief.
Signs of a problem
- Severe pain when moving the ankle.
- Toes that are blue or white.
- Toes that are cold (you can compare them to the toes of the other foot).
- Toes that cannot curl up or straighten out.
- Numbness or pins and needles in the foot.
If your child has any of these signs, rest your child’s foot on a pillow while lying down for 30 minutes.
If the problem does not get better, call your GP, or go to the Emergency Department.
Follow-up appointment
You will be notified by the Trauma Assessment Clinic Physiotherapist with regard to review in the Fracture Clinic with the Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, usually about 1 week after the injury. Your child can begin to walk on the injured ankle as soon as comfortable. The boot can be removed 6 weeks after the injury.
After 6 weeks
Remove the boot 6 weeks after your child’s injury. At first, the ankle may be stiff. The movement will get better with time but this may take up to 3 months. Your child may limp for up to 3 months after the injury, this is normal. Physiotherapy is not usually necessary.
To decrease the risk of re-breaking the ankle, your child should not participate in high-risk activities such as playing on monkey-bars, trampoline, rugby, or other contact sports for 4 weeks after the boot has been removed. However, your child can return to low risk sports such as swimming as soon as the ankle is comfortable.
Contact your GP if your child has not regained normal ankle movement 3 months after the injury.
Key Points
- Your child needs a boot to help heal the broken ankle.
- Your child does not need to wear the boot in bed, or in the bath, or in the shower.
- You will take off the boot permanently 6 weeks after the injury.
- Your child will need to avoid high-risk activities for a total of 3 weeks after the boot has been removed.
- Your child will limp for up to 3 months after the injury, this is normal.
- If your child limps 3 months after sustaining the injury, contact your GP.
Download full leaflet
Download the patient information leaflet here.
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Additional information
Referrals from GPs and Secondary Care Paediatricians are accepted via Healthlink
Referrals can also be sent by post to the Outpatient Department at CHI at Crumlin, or CHI at Temple Street.
Parents or guardians will be sent an appointment date by post, or a letter informing them that their child has been placed on a waiting list.
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