Pulled elbow | |
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Other names | Radial head subluxation, annular ligament displacement,[1] nursemaid's elbow,[2] babysitter's elbow, subluxatio radii |
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Capsule of elbow-joint (distended). Anterior aspect. (Nursemaid's elbow involves the head of radius slipping out from the anular ligament of radius.) | |
Specialty | Emergency medicine |
Symptoms | Unwilling to move the arm[2] |
Usual onset | 1 to 4 years old[2] |
Causes | Sudden pull on an extended arm[2] |
Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms, Xrays[2] |
Differential diagnosis | Elbow fracture[3] |
Treatment | Reduction (forearm into a palms down position with straightening at the elbow)[1][2] |
Prognosis | Recovery within minutes of reduction[1] |
Frequency | Common[2] |
A pulled elbow, also known as nursemaid's elbow or a radial head subluxation,[4] is when the ligament that wraps around the radial head slips off.[1] Often a child will hold their arm against their body with the elbow slightly bent.[1] They will not move the arm as this results in pain.[2] Touching the arm, without moving the elbow, is usually not painful.[1]
A pulled elbow typically results from a sudden pull on an extended arm.[2] This may occur when lifting or swinging a child by the arms.[2] The underlying mechanism involves slippage of the annular ligament off of the head of the radius followed by the ligament getting stuck between the radius and humerus.[1] Diagnosis is often based on symptoms.[2] X-rays may be done to rule out other problems.[2]
Prevention is by avoiding potential causes.[2] Treatment is by reduction.[2] Moving the forearm into a palms down position with straightening at the elbow appears to be more effective than moving it into a palms up position followed by bending at the elbow.[1][4][5] Following a successful reduction the child should return to normal within a few minutes.[1] A pulled elbow is common.[2] It generally occurs in children between the ages of 1 and 4 years old, though it can happen up to 7 years old.[2]