Nursemaids Elbow (Radial Head Subluxation)
Description
Occurs when a child is lifted by their forearm, wrist, or hand pulling the radius (a bone in the forearm) out of its ligament in the elbow. Any other similar mechanism can cause the disorder. It is seen in children less than 5 years old. Immediate pain is experienced and the child will refuse to use the arm. Nursemaid's elbow is also called a radial head subluxation.
Symptoms
Immediate crying, complaints of elbow pain, refusing to use the arm that is injured, holding elbow slightly bent at the elbow, holding the lower part of the arm against the abdomen.
Tests
A history and physical will be performed. No X-ray is needed.
Treatment
The radius is easily relocated without anesthesia or X-rays. Recurrence is common and care must be taken to prevent pulling on the arm that could reproduce the injury.
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