Radial head dislocation

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Elbow - side view

Radial head injury

A dislocation means the displacement of a body part (usually a joint) from its normal location. In a radial head dislocation, the forearm slips out of position at the elbow joint.

Nursemaid's elbow; Pulled elbow; Partial elbow dislocation; Elbow subluxation

This is a common but easily preventable injury in 1- to 3-year-old children.

Once the elbow dislocates, it is likely to do so again, especially in the three or four weeks following the injury.

This injury occurs frequently among toddlers. It is caused by a sudden pull on the child's arm or hand. It typically occurs when an adult pulls the child up from the hand, often to prevent a fall, to assist the child up a curb or step, or to hurry the child along. Swinging toddlers from the arms while playing can also cause this injury.

This injury, also commonly called a "nursemaid's elbow" does not usually occur after age 5. By this time, children's joints and ligaments are stronger, and they are less likely to be in a situation where this injury might occur. However, in some cases, the injury can occur in older children or adults, usually from a fracture in the forearm.