Overview

Nursemaid’s elbow is a type of elbow injury. It’s when a forearm bone (radius) slips out of place from where it normally attaches to the elbow joint.

It is a common condition in children younger than 4 years of age. It is also called pulled elbow, slipped elbow, and toddler elbow.

Causes

A sudden pulling on the hand or forearm causes nursemaid’s elbow. The radius slips out of the ligament holding it into the elbow. It can happen when an infant rolls over, from a fall, or from pulling or swinging a young child by the hand.

Symptoms

Each child may feel symptoms a bit differently. But below are the most common symptoms of nursemaid’s elbow:

  • Immediate pain in the injured arm
  • The child won’t or can’t move the injured arm
  • Anxiety

These symptoms may seem like other health problems. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

Diagnosis

Your child’s healthcare provider makes the diagnosis with a physical exam. He or she may also order an X-ray to check for other injuries, such as a broken bone.

Treatment

Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

Prompt medical treatment is important to quickly ease your child’s symptoms. Treatment may include:

  • Reduction. Your child’s healthcare provider can gently move the arm so the radius bone goes back into place.
  • Medicine. Certain medicines such as acetaminophen can ease pain.

Prevention

Once the elbow has sustained this type of injury, it is more likely to happen again. If it does, call your child’s healthcare provider or return to the emergency department for further evaluation and treatment. Most children outgrow the tendency for nursemaid’s elbow by the age of 5.

To help prevent nursemaid’s elbow:

  • Don’t pull or swing your child by the arms or hands.
  • Don’t lift your child up by his or her arms or hands.

Key Points

  • Nursemaid’s elbow is a type of elbow injury. It’s when a forearm bone (radius) slips out of place from where it normally attaches to the elbow joint.
  • This injury is common in children younger than age 4.
  • Activities that suddenly pull the hand or forearm can cause it. These include falls and swinging a young child by the hand.
  • Immediate pain is the most common symptom.
  • Your child’s healthcare provider can gently move the radius bone back into place.

Next Steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:

  • Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.
  • Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
  • At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you for your child.
  • Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child. Also know what the side effects are.
  • Ask if your child’s condition can be treated in other ways.
  • Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
  • Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
  • If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
  • Know how you can contact your child’s provider after office hours. This is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.