The treatment of pulled elbow: a prospective randomized study

To evaluate the effectiveness in decreasing recurrence of cast application after manual reduction of pulled elbow. Sixty-four children with pulled elb ow were randomized into two treatment groups: Group A underwent manipulativ e reduction followed by splinting the elbow in a flexed and supinated posit ion for 2 days: group B underwent manipulative reduction only. Both groups were examined 2, 5, and 10 days later. None of the 33 patients in group A h ad a pulled elbow at follow-up. Four (13%) of 31 patients in group B had a pulled elbow 2-5 days later Immobilizing the elbow for 2 days after manipul ative reduction improves the success of treatment of a pulled elbow.