Pulled Elbow (Nursemaid’s Elbow)/Elbow dislocation: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment By Dr. Kashyap Solanki – Orthopaedic Surgeon, Hip, Knee & Trauma Specialist, Mumbai.

What is a Pulled Elbow?

A pulled elbow, also known as Nursemaid’s Elbow/Elbow dislocation, is a common injury in young children (usually between 1–5 years). It happens when one of the bones in the forearm (the radius) slips slightly out of its normal position at the elbow joint — a condition called radial head subluxation.

Though it sounds alarming, it is not a fracture and can be easily treated by an orthopedic specialist.

How Does a Pulled Elbow Happen?

The injury typically occurs due to a sudden pull on a child’s arm, such as:

• Lifting the child by one arm

• Pulling the child up quickly from the floor

• Swinging the child playfully by the hands

• A sudden jerk while the child is falling

Because children’s joints and ligaments are still developing, even a mild pull can cause the radial bone to slip out of place.

Common Symptoms

A child with a pulled elbow may show:

• Sudden pain in the arm

• Refusal to move the elbow or use the arm

• The child holds the arm close to the body with the elbow slightly bent and palm facing down

• Minimal swelling or bruising (unlike a fracture)

Parents often notice that their child stops using one arm after being lifted or pulled suddenly.

Diagnosis

In most cases, a pulled elbow can be diagnosed through clinical examination. An experienced orthopedic doctor can identify it based on the child’s age, history, and the typical resting position of the arm. An X-ray is done only if there’s doubt about a fracture or the injury looks unusual.

Treatment

Treatment for pulled elbow is quick and effective. Your orthopedic specialist performs a gentle reduction maneuver to guide the bone back into its correct position.

• The procedure takes just a few seconds.

• Most children begin moving the arm within minutes after reduction.

• No plaster or surgery is needed.

  
  

In some cases, mild pain or hesitation to move the arm may last for a few hours — this usually resolves completely.

Can It Happen Again?

Yes, recurrent pulled elbow can occur, especially in children under 3 years, because their ligaments are still loose. As the child grows, the ligaments strengthen and the risk disappears.

Prevention Tips for Parents

To reduce the risk of a pulled elbow:

• Avoid lifting or swinging children by their arms.

• Hold them under the armpits when picking up.

• Teach older siblings not to pull younger children by the hands.

When to See a Doctor

If your child suddenly stops using one arm after being lifted, don’t panic — but do visit an orthopedic clinic immediately. Timely treatment ensures quick recovery and avoids unnecessary X-rays or immobilization.

Key Takeaway

A pulled elbow is a common, minor, and fully reversible injury in toddlers. With prompt treatment from an orthopedic specialist, your child’s arm movement usually returns to normal within minutes.

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About Dr. Kashyap Prabhu Solanki & Dr. Prabhu Solanki

Orthopaedic Surgeon – Andheri, Mumbai

Dr. Kashyap Solanki specializes in hip and knee replacement, robotic-assisted knee surgery, and joint preservation procedures like HTO, arthroscopy, and ligament reconstruction. He is also known for performing complex revision joint replacements and managing challenging upper and lower limb fractures. With a focus on precision and patient-centered care, Dr. Solanki helps restore mobility and improve quality of life through advanced orthopaedic solutions.

With over four decades of distinguished orthopaedic practice, Dr. Prabhu Solanki stands as one of Mumbai’s most experienced and respected orthopaedic surgeons. Having treated more than 40,000 patients and performed over 10,000 surgeries, his clinical outcomes and dedication have earned him widespread recognition — not just in Mumbai, but across India and abroad.

Dr. Solanki’s reputation for precision, ethical care, and long-term results has brought him patients from all over India, as well as international patients seeking high-quality orthopaedic treatment and surgical expertise in Mumbai.

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