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The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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Radial Head Dislocations (Elbow Dislocation in Children)

Radial head dislocations occur when the radial bone at the elbow slips out of position, most commonly seen as 'nursemaid's elbow' in young children (ages 1-4) when the arm is pulled suddenly, causing immediate pain and refusal to use the arm - treatment involves a quick reduction maneuver that provides instant relief in 90-95% of cases, though some dislocations are associated with forearm fractures (Monteggia injury) requiring surgery.

📅Last reviewed: January 2026đŸĨBones & Joints

📖What is Radial Head Dislocations (Elbow Dislocation in Children)?

Radial head dislocations occur when the radial bone at the elbow slips out of position, most commonly seen as 'nursemaid's elbow' in young children (ages 1-4) when the arm is pulled suddenly, causing immediate pain and refusal to use the arm - treatment involves a quick reduction maneuver that provides instant relief in 90-95% of cases, though some dislocations are associated with forearm fractures (Monteggia injury) requiring surgery.

đŸ”ŦWhat Causes It?

  • Pulling or swinging a young child by the arms (classic nursemaid's elbow)
  • Sudden yanking when child pulls away or resists (pulling away from parent in parking lot)
  • Trauma with forearm fracture causing combined fracture-dislocation (Monteggia injury)
  • Congenital dislocation (present from birth, usually painless, diagnosed later in childhood)

⚠ī¸Risk Factors

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You may be at higher risk if:

  • Age 1-4 years (ligaments loose, elbow easily subluxes with traction)
  • Girls slightly more common than boys (60% female)
  • Previous nursemaid's elbow (20-30% recurrence risk, decreases after age 5)
  • Left arm more commonly affected (60%) than right arm

🛡ī¸Prevention

  • ✓Avoid swinging or pulling young children by the arms or hands (lift under armpits instead)
  • ✓Don't yank child's arm when they resist or pull away (bend down and guide gently)
  • ✓Teach caregivers, grandparents about risk of pulling injuries in toddlers
  • ✓If recurrent nursemaid's elbow, no specific prevention possible - condition resolves naturally by age 5-6 years as ligaments tighten