Nursemaid's Elbow

While we were in Price, Katie hurt her left arm. It was one of those mystery injuries - we are not sure how it happened. When we realized something was wrong we drove home and took her to the hospital. She was diagnosed with "nursemaid's elbow". It was an easy fix, just a little twist of the arm to put it back in place and she was as good as new. The Dr. showed us how to put it back in place on our own if it happens again. Apparently is happens a lot! Katie was the 3rd child that day at the hospital with the injury.

What is Nursemaid's Elbow?

Nursemaid's elbow is a common injury that is seen most often in children between the ages of 1-3 years . Usually the child has had an incident in which the extended arm was pulled. Most commonly it occurs when a child is falling and the individual holding the hand doesn't let go. Another common mechanism is when the child is swinging while being held by the hands. Occasionally, the injury occurs after a fall. Or in infants when rolling over and the arm gets stuck.

Nursemaid's elbow is more common in girls than boys and more often on the left side.
Usually between 1-3 years of age and rare after age 4.

Treatment
While supporting the radial head, the forearm is supinated or pronated and flexed at the same time. A "click" will be heard or felt.
After the "reduction", the child will immediately use the arm. There is no indication for immobilization and rarely are analgesics necessary.
Unless the child doesn't start to use the arm, follow-up is unnecessary.