2007 Reduction of Radial Head Subluxation eMedicine Procedures

Description: Radial head subluxation, also known as nursemaid's elbow, is the most common upper extremity injury in infants and young children who present to the emergency department (ED). Reduction of the radial head is easily performed in the ED with few complications.
Subluxation of the radial head is a minor injury in infants and children aged 6 months to 7 years. While subluxation does occur in patients younger than 6 months, peak incidence occurs in children aged 2-3 years, and the injury is rare in children older than 5 years. This injury typically results from a quick pull on a child's arm.
Gretchen S Lent, MD Updated: Apr 2, 2007