Pulled elbow - children
A pulled elbow is a common minor injury generally affecting children under the age of 6 years. It occurs when one of elbow ligaments gets trapped in the elbow joint.
What causes a pulled elbow?
Pulled elbows happen because young children’s joints are still growing and the ligament is looser at this age.
Any sudden pulling, lifting or swinging of the child’s hand or forearm may cause it.
Occasionally there is not a clear cause.
What are the symptoms?
If your child has had a sudden pull to its arm, they may be in sudden pain and be unable to fully bend their elbow.
Your child will be reluctant to use their arm.
It may hang loosely at their side, or be held still with their other arm.
How is it diagnosed?
We can diagnose a pulled elbow by you telling us what happened, and then examining your child’s arm.
An X-ray is not usually necessary because the ligament will not show up and the X-ray will be normal.
How is it treated?
Your child’s forearm will need to be twisted so that the palm of the hand faces towards the floor.
This is a quick and simple procedure, but may cause a brief moment of discomfort.
Often, a click is felt as the ligament slips back into position.
Shortly after this your child should start to use their arm normally, especially if distracted by playing with a toy.
Sometimes your child’s elbow may be slightly painful after the injury.
If this is the case you should give them some regular over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, for a few days.
What if the treatment doesn't work?
Occasionally the treatment may not be successful.
If your child still isn’t using their arm normally then the treatment will be, to rest your child’s arm in a sling for 2-3 days.
The pulled elbow may go back by itself and then your child will start using their arm normally.
We will usually give you an Emergency Department clinic appointment in a few days time, in order to re-assess your child’s arm.
Will it happen again?
Your child will be more prone to getting a pulled elbow in the future.
To prevent a pulled elbow it is best to avoid swinging games, and pulling or lifting your child up by the hand.
Use the child’s upper arms or armpits, to lift them.
Reviewed by Dr L Sabir in February 2023, next review in February 2025.
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