| ENCYCLOPEDIA INDEX |
| Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test |
| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N P R S T U W |
Radial head dislocation |
| Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention |
| Definition: |
| 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. |
| Alternative Names: |
| Nursemaid's elbow; Pulled elbow; Partial elbow dislocation; Elbow subluxation |
| Considerations: |
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. |
| Causes: |
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. |
![]() Elbow - side view | ![]() Radial head injury | ![]() Ear surgery - series |



