fifth It is this smaller joint (the radioulnar joint) that is partially dislocated when there is a sudden yank on a child's hand or wrist ft may occur when a parent tries to save the child from a stumble or fall It may also occur when a child is swung around by the wrists in a game or when the child tries to grab a handhold to prevent falling PaWith a dislocated elbow will hold the arm to the side with the irnfacing backward. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS When an accident causes a dislocated elbow, there is immediate pain. The pain may be felt anywhere from the elbow to the wrist. The child refuses to use the affected arm, clutching it against the side with the other arm. The child holds the affected arm with the palm of the hand facing backward. Attempts to turn the palm forward cause pain. Swelling of the wrist and hand develops several hours later. If you know that the arm has been yanked and the child holds the arm with palm facing backward, a dislocated elbow is a likely cause. However, if you do not know that the arm has been pulled, you may not realize the cause of the problem. A dislocated elbow is commonly mistaken for an injured wrist. HOME CARE As soon as you suspect that your child has a dislocated elbow, see your doctor. Dislocation of the elbow tends to recur. There is a simple procedure for correcting a dislocated elbow, which your doctor may teach you if your child's elbow becomes dislocated often. (Caution: Do not attempt to correct a dislocated elbow unless you have been taught the proper procedure by a doctor.) If this maneuver is done within a few hours of the accident, a sharp snap or click will be heard and actually felt near the elbow. The child is relieved of pain and soon can use the arm freely. PRECAUTIONS • Do not use the procedure for correcting a dislocated elbow unless the symptoms exactly fit the description and you are sure that the arm has been yanked. A fracture (break) of a forearm bone can produce similar symptoms. • A dislocated elbow should be treated as soon as possible. If the elbow has been dislocated for more than a few hours, correcting it may be more difficult because of the swelling: also, the arm may be sore and not fully usable for one to two days after correction. • Even after a dislocated elbow has been corrected, the joint remains susceptible to dislocation for three to four weeks. Be careful. • Do not lift a child by pulling on the hands, wrists, or arms. MEDICAL TREATMENT Your doctor will determine if the elbow has been dislocated. An x ray examination may be ordered to be sure that there are no broken bones. (Sometimes, positioning the arm for the examination returns the dislocated bone to its proper place.) When the diagnosis is certain, your doctor will correct the dislocation using the standard procedure mentioned. RELATED TOPICS: Fractures: Sprains and dislocations Quick Reference Dislocated hips SYMPTOMS • Child moves one leg more than the other. • Folds of the buttocks do not match. infantum