How Not To Hurt Your Children Accidentally

Nursemaid elbow is a common elbow injury, especially among young children and toddlers. It occurs when a child’s elbow is pulled and one of the bones partially dislocates, giving it another name, “pulled elbow.” Your doctor may refer to it as a radial head subluxation.

This injury was named during a time when nursemaids (or nannies) commonly cared for children and had the reputation of causing this injury by pulling on a child’s outstretched arm.

The bones and ligaments of a young child are often soft and still developing. This makes it easy to sustain injuries of this type. Typically, nursemaid elbow is found in children between the ages of 1 to 4, but can be found in slightly older children as well and younger.

Because ligaments will tighten as a child gets older, most won’t get nursemaid elbow after they turn 5 years old.

What causes a child to develop nursemaid elbow?

Nursemaid elbow can occur when:

• force is exerted on the child’s arm when it’s outstretched,
• Pulling at the elbow joint.

Some examples could look like:

1. Most commonly when pulling a child up by the hands.
2. Swinging a child by the hands,
3. Jerking a child’s arm.
4. Less commonly, a child might roll over their arm in a crib or bed and cause this injury.

Nursemaid elbow is rarely the result of a fall. A fall is more likely to cause a fracture or break.

What are the symptoms of nursemaid elbow?

The most common symptom of nursemaid elbow is pain. Usually a child will hold the injured arm to their side without moving it in order to prevent further pain.

You might see the child holding their arm with a slight bend or straight at their side. Nursemaid elbow can be difficult to diagnose because it doesn’t cause swelling or disfigurement.

How is this condition diagnosed?

If your child is holding their arm in an awkward way or is complaining of pain, make an appointment with their physician.

Their doctor will typically make a physical assessment of the injured arm, diagnosing nursemaid elbow based on the way the elbow was injured and how the child is holding their arm. An x-ray isn’t required, but may be done in order to rule out fractures and broken bones.

How is nursemaid elbow treated?

Your child’s doctor will treat nursemaid elbow through a process called reduction. It involves gently moving the bone and ligament back into place. The doctor will fold the child’s arm upward from a straight position, turning the palm as the arm bends at the elbow. They’ll support your child’s elbow with the other hand. You may hear a faint pop or click.

Though the process will only take a few seconds, your child may experience temporary pain during the reduction. Afterward, they’ll usually feel much better than before. Most of the time, children are able to use their arm again within 5 to 10 minutes. However, it’s possible your child might require more than one reduction to heal.

What’s the outlook for this condition?

While nursemaid elbow injuries are often initially painful, they are treatable. Your doctor will be able to reset the elbow, which will both relieve discomfort and restore movement.

Those who experience nursemaid elbow are more likely to experience it again. It’s important to take preventative measures to avoid jerking or pulling on the child’s arm.

Written by Sonia Joshi.

Sonia Joshi is a Registered Practical Nurse and a mother of a toddler. Sonia Joshi has been working in the Postpartum, Mother and Baby Unit for over 10 years.  Sonia is an accomplished health care provider known for compassion as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Sonia is a diligent and resourceful individual who demonstrates clear ability to work comfortably with patients, families and the entire healthcare team under the pressures that may arise. Over her years of experience Sonia is certified with the college of nurses of Ontario. Sonia is certified in CPR and First Aid, Neonatal Resuscitation Program, RNAO Breast Feeding, and Sugar Temperature Airway Blood Pressure Lab work Emotional Support (S.T.A.B.L.E.) Sonia also has experience teaching nursing students while they are placed with her for their training.