Pulled elbow
A pulled elbow usually occurs when a child is lifted or pulled by one arm. This can happen when swinging a child around by his/her arm, or when the child stumbles while holding the parent’s hand.
The radial head is the end of one of the bones of the elbow. It is kept in place by a circular ligament. When your child’s arm is pulled forcefully, the radial head may move slightly out of its ligament causing a pulled elbow.
Who is at risk to sustain a pulled elbow?
Who is at risk to sustain a pulled elbow?
This injury is most common in children between 18 months and 5 years of age. As children grow older, their elbow ligaments become stronger. For that reason, this injury rarely occurs after age 6.
What are the symptoms of a pulled elbow?
What are the symptoms of a pulled elbow?
- Sudden pain anywhere in your child’s arm from the wrist up to the elbow.
- Not able to bend his/her elbow.
- May not use the arm and may keep it close to the side of his/her body.
What is the treatment for a pulled elbow?
What is the treatment for a pulled elbow?
If you suspect that your child has a pulled elbow, seek medical attention. The doctor will examine the injured arm. An x-ray may be taken. The doctor will then gently move the joint and click the radial head back in place.
Your child will begin to use his/her arm soon afterward. Most often, no other care is needed and no other problems should arise.
How to prevent a pulled elbow:
How to prevent a pulled elbow:
- Lift your child under the arms, not by the hands or wrists.
- Do not swing your child by the arms.
- Do not pull your child by the hand or arm, even when you’re in a hurry.
Reviewed by Trauma specialists at the Montreal Children’s Hospital.
Last updated: July 2013, January 2016
Last updated: July 2013, January 2016
