Irreducible "pulled elbow" in a child. A case report.

Abstract

"Pulled elbow" is a common pediatric injury that occurs when axial traction is applied to an arm that is extended while the forearm is pronated. These forces can create a transverse tear in the annular ligament, which permits subluxation of the radial head. In most cases, closed reduction can be performed by supinating the forearm and flexing the elbow. In the case of a five-year-old boy, surgical reduction of this injury was necessary to reduce the subluxated radial head.