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Ency. home > Injury > R > Radial head dislocation

Radial head dislocation    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Nursemaid's elbow; Pulled elbow; Partial elbow dislocation; Elbow subluxation

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.

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.

Ency. home > Injury > R > Radial head dislocation

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