Baby due in 2 weeks with fractured elbow

Hi

5 weeks ago I fell and badly fractured radial head and capitela (?) of elbow - had open reduction with 2 pins. Was only in cast for 2.5 weeks as due to have a baby in a couple of weeks!!

Have been in ROM brace for 2 weeks - can get to about 100 flexion and 110 extension at a push with the brace on (think I'm reading it right) but can only slightly turn wrist face up and face down. It feels very stuck and I feel very miserable :( - does anyone have any advice? I've had one physio session which was very painful and one hydrotherapy session yesterday. My baby is due in about 2 weeks and I desperatly need some movement to be able to nurse properly.

Everyone's telling me the elbow joints hard to heal so some positive advise would make a change!

hi fiona,

let me start with some good news as you are pregnant stating "fractures unite faster in pregnant women".

please click on the link below to go through a recent (2008) medical report on accelerated fracture union in third trimester of pregnancy;
Accelerated tibial fracture union in the third trimester of pregnancy: a case report

well if you are a non-medical personnel, please read the conclusion alone as the rest may be quite technical - medical jargon;).

regarding normal elbow range of motion - flexion:150, extension:0, forearm pronation:80 and supination:80 degrees. from your post, I understand you do have some limitation.

I know you are curious to know the bad news. well, the negative side is that you have been to the physio only once; recovery of elbow movements is a collective effort between the physio and the patient.

dont worry about what others say, beware stress can increase your cortisol level which is not a good idea at this phase. hence be positive and work hard (home exercise regimen) as well as other mobilization measures along with your physio.

all the best. let us know about your baby too :).

cheers,

thomas

dear Fiona,
Being a mum I understand your worry.
Is it your first?
I´m afraid I have to agree with the other health professionals, every fracture takes 6 weeks to heal and an elbow fracture ( with surgery) is not the easiest of fractures. In my experience it normally takes time to get back the rotation movement( palm up- palm down) even after the fracture has healed. Be careful of aggrevating exersises! pain is a useful signal.

Now the good news.
I have seen mums with one arm only! or in a wheelchair nurse their children.
It is amazing how adaptable you can be when necessary. I presume you will have help around ( husband, family and friends) so let them help you.
I couldn´t look after( bath and clothe) my own (1st) child because of maternal complications after traumatic childbirth for nearly 2 weeks and its was a bummer.... but... I could still feed him. Accepting help and enjoying everyone helping you is not too bad you know! In the first few weeks, a child sleeps a lot, giving you time to heal. My advice to you is to take that time.

I wish you and yours the best of luck and enjoy what you do have .........
Esther

I dont know if you might have access to early intervention or home visiting nurses but they may be able to help with the "figuring things out" in the beginning. As far as negotiating the exercises, baby care and taking care of yourself. Good luck
Lynn