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Emergencies Illustrated guide

# A child not using an arm: possible pulled elbow

Three illustrated messages on a child not using an arm, assessment and avoiding traction. It does not demonstrate reduction manoeuvres.

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![A toddler keeping an unused arm close to the body, observed by the mother and doctor.](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/illustrated-guides/pronazione-braccio-v1.webp)

![A toddler keeping an unused arm close to the body, observed by the mother and doctor.](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/clinical-print-figures/0e5a3709e11e43c6.webp)

01

## The child protects an arm

Pulled elbow is one possibility, even without a remembered pull. Not every unused arm has this diagnosis.

![A child on the father](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/illustrated-guides/pronazione-valutazione-v1.webp)

![A child on the father](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/clinical-print-figures/7ad019c892d5b0f2.webp)

02

## Seek assessment

Do not try to put the elbow back yourself. A clinician checks for other injuries and decides on treatment.

![A mother lifting her child with support under the armpits and around the trunk, without pulling the hands or wrists.](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/illustrated-guides/pronazione-sollevare-v1.webp)

![A mother lifting her child with support under the armpits and around the trunk, without pulling the hands or wrists.](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/clinical-print-figures/4dfcc7008b1d9c0e.webp)

03

## Avoid pulling the arms

Do not lift or swing a child by the hands or wrists. Support the trunk and under the armpits.

General information; this guide does not replace an individual medical assessment.

[Dr Daniele Priano — Paediatric orthopaedics](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/about)

[Condition information →](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/conditions/nursemaids-elbow)

## Sources
- [RCH — Pulled elbow: clinical guideline](https://www.rch.org.au/clinicalguide/guideline_index/Pulled_Elbow/)
- [RCH — Pulled elbow: information for families](https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Pulled_elbow/)
- [RCH — Upper limb non-use](https://www.rch.org.au/clinicalguide/guideline_index/Upper_Limb_NonUse/)

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Le informazioni cliniche sono divulgative e non sostituiscono una valutazione medica diretta.