MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Nursemaid’s elbow

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Nursemaid’s elbow

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests	Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider Prevention

Illustrations

Radial head injury

Alternative names Return to top

Pulled elbow; Dislocated elbow - children

Definition Return to top

Nursemaid's elbow is a partial dislocation of the elbow joint, making it difficult and painful to move the joint.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

Nursemaid's elbow is a common condition in young children and generally affects children under five. It occurs when someone pulls a child too hard by the hand or wrist.

Nursemaid's elbow is often seen after a parent lifts a child by one arm up a curb or high step. The child generally begins to cry immediately and refuses to use the arm. The child hold's the arm in a slightly flexed position (slightly bent at the elbow) and holds the forearm against the abdomen. The child will move the shoulder, but not the elbow.

Often, the child will stop crying as the immediate pain subsides, but will continue to refuse to move the elbow.

Symptoms Return to top

immediate crying
elbow pain
refusal to use the affected arm
slight flexion of elbow
forearm rests lightly against abdomen
child will move arm at shoulder

Signs and tests Return to top

The child will be unable to rotate the arm at the elbow so that the palm is up, or bend the elbow (flex) fully.

Treatment Return to top

The doctor will reduce the dislocation by rotating the forearm so that the palm is up and gently flexing the elbow all the way. Note: Do NOT try to do this yourself as you can do more harm than good. See your health care provider for assistance.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

If nursemaid's elbow remains untreated, it may result in permanent inability to fully move the elbow. With treatment, there is usually no permanent damage.

Complications Return to top

permanent limitation of motion

Calling your health care provider Return to top

Call your health care provider if you suspect your child has a dislocated elbow or refuses to use an arm.

Prevention Return to top

Avoid lifting a child by one arm only (from the wrist or hand). Lift under the arm, from the upper arm, or both arms at a time.

Update Date: 2/14/2003

Updated by: Andrew L. Chen, M.D., M.S., Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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