Nursemaid's elbow: Radial head subluxation injuries in children

Abstract

Radial head subluxation, or nursemaid's elbow, is a common orthopedic complaint in children and often is the result of a pulling injury to the affected arm. Although this injury largely is a clinical diagnosis, different imaging modalities may be used to identify it and confirm successful reduction. Multiple manipulative techniques can be used to treat this injury and methods are generally specific to clinician preference. This article reviews the causes, evaluation, and management of radial head subluxation.