The Epidemiology and Treatment of Pulled Elbow in Pediatric Population

Abstract

Introduction: The pulled elbow is one of the common conditions in children that bring them to an emergency. Children present with not being able to move their forearms.

Methods: We conducted a prospective study of patients presented with a history suggestive of the pulled elbow. Here we study demographic character, clinical presentations, and reduction technique. 

Results: There were a total of 96 patients with the pulled elbow. The mean age of the patient was 29.62 ± 13.14 months, with boys 27 (28.1%) and girls 69 (71.9%). The left side was commonly involved 67 (69%). History of traction injury is the most common mode of injury. The success rate of reduction by supination-flexion is 87.5%, whereas the success rate of hyper pronation is 95.83%. There was no significant difference between the two methods of reduction (p-value > 0.05).  

Conclusion: The pulled elbow is common at 2 years, with female children predominant. Click in the region of radial head palpable during reduction confirms the diagnosis and signs of successful treatment. Hyper-pronation was easy, more effective at the first attempt, and the most successful reduction technique.