[ProFI reduction of pediatric pulled elbow].

BACKGROUND

Pulled elbow is a common injury in children under the age of 5 years which is usually treated by manual reduction. Supination of the forearm is recommended as opposed to pronation or other maneuvers. The author has developed a manipulative intervention for reduction of pulled elbow in young children on the basis of the pronation technique and called ProFI reduction.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

The ProFI method was performed on 41 children and the group was analyzed prospectively according to effectiveness of the ProFI repositioning.

RESULTS

Among the 41 children the initial diagnosis was incorrect in 7 cases (17%) and in 11 children (27%) more than one doctor's visit was necessary to reposition successfully. Repositioning with the ProFI method was immediately successful in all cases.

CONCLUSION

The application of the ProFI method as a modified pronation technique was shown to provide excellent effectiveness with respect to the patients treated.