About this topic
Your elbow joint is where three bones meet. The humerus is your upper arm bone. It meets with two bones in your forearm, the radius and ulna. Strong bands, or ligaments, hold all the bones together. The radial head is the part of the radius closest to the elbow. Sometimes, this bone slips out of its normal place, just a little. This is a radial head subluxation. If it slips all the way out of place, this is a radial head dislocation. ‚
Another common name for this injury is nursemaids elbow. It can happen when someone pulls on a child's arm or tries to lift the child by the arm. This injury most often happens in young children before 5 years of age. Older children's joints, ligaments, and muscles are stronger. They are often able to keep the radial head in place. If this injury is not treated, long-term damage can happen. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Prop your arm on pillows to help with swelling.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Your doctor may send you to physical therapy to help you heal faster. Your doctor may send you to an orthopedic doctor if needed. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
Will physical activity be limited?
You may need to rest your elbow for a while. You should not do physical activity that makes your health problem worse. Talk to your doctor if you work out or or play sports. You may not be able to do those things until your health problem gets better. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Lift young children from under the arms.
- Never pick up or swing a child by the arms, wrists, or hands.
- Take extra care if you have dislocated your elbow in the past. You are more likely to dislocate the elbow again.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Pain or swelling gets worse
- Numbness in your hand
- Your hand feels cold
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my procedure.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have more pain or swelling or my hand feels numb or cold.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00029 ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/bones/nursemaid.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚