Nursemaid's Elbow

In today’s episode, you’ll learn how to recognize and reduce this common pediatric orthopedic injury on your own and even teach parents if needed!

This episode was written by Dr. Tammy Yau and Dr. Lidia Park with content support from Dr. Emily Andrada. Drs. Tammy and Lidia take full responsibility for any errors or misinformation. 

Key Points:

• Nursemaid’s elbow, subluxation of the radial head, or annular ligament displacement all refer to the same injury of the elbow that occurs most often when a child’s arm is pronated and pulled.
• Treatment of a nursemaid’s is through reduction - either by supinating and flexing the elbow (or) pronating, hyperextending, and then flexing the elbow
• Imaging is not routinely indicated for highly suspicious nursemaid’s but should be considered if you have concern for fracture

Sources:

• Pediatrics in Review 2013, https://doi.org/10.1542/pir.34-8-366
• Pediatrics 2002, https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.110.1.171 

Eur J Emerg Med 2009, https://doi.org/10.1097/MEJ.0b013e32831d796a