A common injury in children under five years of age is dislocation of the elbow by a sudden jerk upwards of the arm. This could occur:
* when an adult lifts a small child up a step by the hand, or
* quickly pulls them away from harm by the hand, or
* when a child falls while his hand is being held.

Children's elbows dislocate because their joints are not fully formed. Usually children cry after this type of injury because it hurts. The elbow is kept bent and protected from moving by the child. There may be swelling.

Get medical attention for this injury as soon as possible. Your healthcare provider may want to take an X-ray to examine the joint. Most pulled elbows are minor injuries and heal fast with rest for one to two weeks and careful handling of the child.

If dislocation occurs repeatedly, surgery may be recommended to stabilize the joint.

This injury can be prevented if you know what causes it. Be sure to avoid:
* lifting your child by their hand,
* pulling your child by the hand, and
* holding your child's hand during a fall.

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