Nursemaid's Elbow

Nursemaid's elbow is a type of elbow injury. It's when a forearm bone (radius) slips out of place from where it normally attaches to the elbow joint.

It is a common condition in children younger than age 4. It is also called pulled elbow, slipped elbow, toddler elbow, and radial head subluxation.

Causes of Nursemaid’s Elbow

A sudden pulling on the hand or forearm can cause nursemaid's elbow. The radius slips out of the ligament that holds it in place. It can happen when a child rolls over. It can also happen from a fall, arm twisting, or from pulling or swinging a young child by the hand.

Symptoms of Nursemaid’s Elbow

Each child may feel symptoms a bit differently. But below are the most common symptoms of nursemaid's elbow:

• Immediate pain in the injured arm
• The child won't or can't move the injured arm
• Anxiety

These symptoms may be caused by other health problems. Make sure your child sees their doctor for a diagnosis.

Diagnosing Nursemaid’s Elbow

Your child's doctor makes the diagnosis by getting your child's health history and doing a physical exam. They may also order an X-ray to check for other injuries, such as a broken bone.

Treating Nursemaid’s Elbow

Treatment will depend on your child's symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how bad the condition is.

Prompt medical treatment is important to quickly ease your child's symptoms. Treatment may include:

• Reduction. Your child's doctor can gently move the arm so the radius bone goes back into place.
• Medicine. Certain medicines, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help ease pain.

How to Help Prevent Nursemaid’s Elbow in Your Child

Once the elbow has sustained this type of injury, it is more likely to happen again. If it does, call your child's doctor or return to the emergency room for further evaluation and treatment. Most children outgrow the tendency for nursemaid's elbow by age 5.

To help prevent nursemaid's elbow:

• Don't pull or swing your child by the arms or hands.
• Don't lift your child up by their arms or hands. Instead, hold the child under their arms.