Pulled Elbow In Children
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WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
- A pulled elbow is an injury when one of the elbow bones slips out of its normal place. It is also called a nursemaid's elbow. The elbow is the joint where the humerus (upper arm bone) meets the radius and ulna (two forearm bones). A pulled elbow happens when the radius slips out of place. The ligament that supports it slides over and becomes trapped inside the joint. This may occur when your child is dragged, grabbed, lifted, or swung by the hand, wrist, or forearm.
- Your child will have pain in the injured elbow and may cry right after his arm was pulled. The arm is usually kept slightly bent with the forearm facing down. Your child may refuse to move the affected elbow. Diagnosis of a pulled elbow may include a detailed health history and careful checking of the arm. X-rays taken of the elbow may also be done. Treatment of pulled elbow is to release the trapped ligament and move the bone back to its normal position. With treatment, the pulled elbow bone will be put back into place, and further problems may be prevented.
AFTER YOU LEAVE:
Medicines:
- Keep a list of your child's medicines: Keep a written list of the medicines your child takes, the amounts, and when and why they are taken. Bring the list of your child's medicines or the medicine bottles when you visit your child's caregivers. Ask your child's caregiver for more information about the medicines. Do not give any medicines to your child without first asking your child's caregiver. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements.
- Give your child's medicine as directed: Always give your child's medicine as directed by his caregivers. Call your child's caregiver if you think your child's medicines are not helping. Call if you feel your child is having side effects. Do not quit giving the medicines to your child until you discuss it with your child's caregiver.
- Do not give aspirin to children under 18 years of age: Giving aspirin to your child when he is ill may cause a very serious illness called Reye's Syndrome. This could lead to brain and liver damage. Read medicine labels to see if your child's medicine has aspirin in it.
- Pain medicine: Caregivers may give medicine to decrease your child's pain. Tell a caregiver if your child's pain does not go away or comes back after taking this medicine. Pain medicine can have side effects. Tell a caregiver if your child has trouble breathing, is very sleepy, or has an upset stomach. Tell a caregiver if your child is allergic to any medicine.
Ask your child's caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you and your child may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your child's next visit.
Preventing another pulled elbow: The following may help prevent another pulled elbow:
- Do not swing your child by the hands, wrists, or lower arms.
- Do not pull your child by his hand.
- Lift your child up by holding him under his arms or around his body.
Wearing a splint or sling: Caregivers may want your child to limit moving his elbow for some time. A sling or splint may be used to support his elbow area and help make him feel more comfortable. Ask your child's caregiver for more information on using a splint or sling.
CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:
- Your child refuses to move his arm again.
- Your child's pain does not go away or comes back.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's injury, treatment, or care.
SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:
- Your child has increased pain on the affected elbow.
- Your child gets another pulled elbow.
- Your child's arm or hand feels numb and tingly.
- Your child's skin or fingernails below the injured elbow, become swollen, cold, or turn white or blue.
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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