About Us | Privacy | Site Map
February 10, 2012
Font Size
A
A
A
...
5
...

Nursemaid Elbow (cont.)

Medical Author:
Medical Editor:

Exams and Tests

The doctor will obtain the history of how the injury happened by asking what occurred just before the event or what activities were being performed. Additional history specifically about the use of the arm, positions in which the arm has been held, and anything that has made the condition worse or better is very important.

  • The doctor will feel the arm and look for any evidence of other injuries. The doctor will be looking for tenderness over any portions of the bones being felt in the arm. There may be some slight tenderness over the radial head.


  • X-rays are typically not obtained or required unless another condition, such as a fracture (broken bone), is suspected, or if the reduction attempts are not successful. Indications for possible fracture include significant swelling or bruising of the elbow area or a mechanism of injury not consistent with nursemaid elbow (for example, fall from a chair). X-rays appear normal in 95%-100% of children with radial head subluxation and thus are not helpful in diagnosis.
...
5
...

Viewer Comments & Reviews

Nursemaid Elbow - Causes

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What was the cause of your Nursemaid Elbow?

Women's Health

Find out what women really need.




Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Pediatrics, Nursemaid Elbow »

Nursemaid elbow is a common and easily treated condition.

Read More on Medscape Reference »

Medical Dictionary


Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick,
    easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including
    24 hour
    pharmacies