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Elbow - side view
Elbow - side view
Radial head injury
Radial head injury
Ear surgery - series
Ear surgery - series
OverviewSymptomsTreatmentPrevention

Radial head dislocation

Definition:
A dislocation means the displacement of a body part (usually a joint) from its normal location. In a radial head dislocation, the forearm slips out of position at the elbow joint.

Alternative Names:
Nursemaid's elbow; Pulled elbow; Partial elbow dislocation; Elbow subluxation

Considerations:

This is a common but easily preventable injury in 1- to 3-year-old children.

Once the elbow dislocates, it is likely to do so again, especially in the three or four weeks following the injury.



Causes:

This injury occurs frequently among toddlers. It is caused by a sudden pull on the child's arm or hand. It typically occurs when an adult pulls the child up from the hand, often to prevent a fall, to assist the child up a curb or step, or to hurry the child along. Swinging toddlers from the arms while playing can also cause this injury.

This injury, also commonly called a "nursemaid's elbow" does not usually occur after five years of age. By this time children's joints and ligaments are stronger, and they are less likely to be in a situation where this injury might occur.



Review Date: 1/15/2002
Reviewed By: David M. Scher, M.D., Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, NYU-Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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