Elbow calcification from broken radius

My son broke his radius just above the wrist in an impact injury. (Hockey game, put hands out to take the impact of a check.) This happened around Xmas time and the Dr. was very pleased with the healing process and he returned to regular physical activity.

He is a volleyball setter and we have noticed an inability to fully extend the elbow on the same arm as the original wrist injury. X-rays indicate possible calcium deposit. Physiotherapy has so far been ineffective.

He is 17 years of age and has a potential University volleyball career, should we consider surgery?

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Elbow calcification from broken radius

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Sep 21, 2008
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elbow calcification
by: Bart - SII

What kind of surgical options did your physician give you? If the calcification at the elbow truly is the cause of the lack of extension, an arthroscopic procedure to "clean out" the elbow should be successful to restore his extension.

Did your physician feel like the wrist fracture was related to the elbow problem?

Bart

Oct 03, 2008
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Elbow
by: Terry

Our family physician has not yet made a decision or suggestion other than the physiotherapy. The physiotherapist has now decided that she will not continue treatment until my son has seen a specialist. She feels the physio has been unsuccessful to date.
This is becomming quite frustrating as you can appreciate.

Oct 09, 2008
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elbow injury update
by: Terry

I've just returned from a specialist appointment with my son and he informed us that the condition is called Panner's Disease. Looks like the growth plates indicate that he has some growing left to do and the condition should correct itself with that growth. He explained that it could take weeks, months or even a year before it heals. Also, he may not get full extension of the elbow but possibly lose a few degrees at the joint.