Pulled elbow (child): aftercare advice

Information for patients from the Emergency Department

Please speak to a healthcare professional before following the advice below

How is a pulled elbow diagnosed?

The story of how it happened and an examination of your child’s arm will help us diagnose a pulled elbow. An x-ray is not normally needed as the ligament will not show up, and when we examine your child we will be able to tell if there is a more serious injury or break to their arm.

What causes a pulled elbow?

A pulled elbow can happen at any time on either arm, until your child is about seven or eight years old. At this time the elbow should have grown enough to stop moving out of its fibrous ring, so please be careful with your child’s arm.

Will the pain continue after treatment?

The doctor / nurse can usually make the bone go back to its proper place, but this means that they will have to move the elbow and it may be painful for a short time afterwards. Normally, your child will be able to use their arm fairly soon after this.

Can I give my child painkillers?

To help with any pain, give your child painkillers (such as junior paracetamol and / or ibuprofen) as recommended by the doctor / nurse.

How can we avoid this happening again?

Do not pull on your child’s arm, this includes playing games where you swing your child by their arms or tugging your child along by their arm when you are in a hurry.

What if I have any concerns?

Bring your child back to the Emergency Department or telephone us if, after 24 hours: