Dislocated Elbow in Children

Alternate Names : Radial Head Dislocation, Radial Head Subluxation, Nursemaid's Elbow

A dislocated elbow occurs when the head of the radial bone, one of the two bones of the lower arm, is moved out of place at the elbow. The dislocation results in pain and decreased movement of the elbow joint. It occurs most often in children younger than 5 years old.

What are the causes and risks of the injury?

Dislocation of the elbow generally occurs in young children when an adult jerks the child's arm by pulling the hand or the wrist. It is often seen after someone lifts a child by one arm up a stair or a curb.