Abstract: This is a retrospective, single-case study of a pediatric patient presenting to a chiropractic practice with extremity dysfunction and related pain. The approach to chiropractic care was based upon the level of training in chiropractic colleges as it relates to extremity management.
Presentation, Examination and Chiropractic Correction
The patient is a 5-year-old male whose symptoms included persistent pain in the elbow with an inability to supinate the forearm. He presented holding the elbow in slight flexion. A review of the history of the boy's complaint revealed that the child had been forcibly jerked by the hand by a taller person while the elbow was in full extension. The subluxation occurred with an audible snap, according to the parent.
Palpation and roentgenology of the elbow did not reveal any abnormality and there was no ecchymosis or edema. The diagnosis was easily confirmed by the reduction of the subluxation. This was accomplished by grasping the hand of the affected patient's extremity, holding his elbow with the thumb of the other hand pressed against the head of the radius, while steadily supinating the forearm beyond the fixation. The click of the return of the radial head to position was followed by an immediate recovery of painless function.
Discussion
Radiology of the pediatric traumatic elbow is accomplished with initial anterior-posterior (AP) views of the medial and lateral epicondyles and humeral-ulnar/radial articulation. It is important to note that if any flexion contracture is present, a minimum of two AP views is recommended; one perpendicular to the forearm and one perpendicular to the humerus.
The X-ray technique is as follows: The forearm is positioned supine (palm up) on the table with the elbow joint fully extended and the fingers slightly flexed. The central beam is directed perpendicular to the elbow joint. A lateral view is also obtained with the forearm flexed to 90 degrees in line from radial head to capitulum. The technique requires that the forearm rest on its ulnar side on the cassette with the elbow flexed 90 degrees. The central beam is directed vertically toward the radial head.
Pediatric elbow radiographs can be difficult to interpret unless one adheres to a methodical means of looking for specific abnormalities. If you do not routinely read these types of films, you are strongly encouraged to contact a chiropractic radiologist. Chiropractic radiologists recommend, supervise and interpret radiologic studies as well as advanced imaging procedures.
The American Chiropractic Board of Radiology is the certifying agency for chiropractic radiologists and may provide a local listing of this type of specialist to assist you in your case management. You can also contact your state board of chiropractic examiners, which may be helpful in a professional referral of this type.
When sports chiropractors first appeared at the Olympic Games in the 1980s, it was alongside individual athletes who had experienced the benefits of chiropractic care in their training and recovery processes at home. Fast forward to Paris 2024, where chiropractic care was available in the polyclinic for all athletes, and the attitude has now evolved to recognize that “every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic."
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Some doctors thrive in a personality-based clinic and have a loyal following no matter what services or equipment they offer, but for most chiropractic offices who are trying to grow and expand, new equipment purchases help us stay relevant and continue to service our client base in the best, most up-to-date manner possible. So, regarding equipment purchasing: should you lease, get a bank loan, or pay cash?
