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Elbow Anatomy

The elbow is a complex joint formed by the articulation of three bones – the humerus, radius, and ulna. The elbow joint helps in bending or straightening of the arm to 180 degrees and lifting or moving objects.

What is Nursemaid’s Elbow?

Dislocation of the radius bone from the elbow is called nursemaid’s elbow.

Causes of Nursemaid’s Elbow

This condition is very common among children below 5 years of age as their bones and muscles are still in the developing stage. This condition usually occurs when a child is pulled up too hard by the arm, but can also occur due to a fall or swinging your child by the arms.

Symptoms of Nursemaid’s Elbow

Some of the symptoms associated with nursemaid’s elbow include:

  • Pain in the elbow is usually experienced.
  • Your child may hold the elbow close to the abdominal area.
  • Movement of your child’s elbow is reduced.

Diagnosis of Nursemaid’s Elbow

The initial treatment includes applying ice to the injury and preventing movement of the affected arm. Your child should visit a doctor right away to diagnose and treat nursemaid’s elbow. Nursemaid’s elbow is diagnosed by a physical examination. Your doctor will examine if your child is able to move and bend the elbow.

Treatments of Nursemaid’s Elbow

Treatment involves fixing the dislocation by gently rotating your child’s forearm in such a way that the palm faces upwards. Do not attempt this on your own as you could cause further injury. Make sure to seek medical treatment for proper care.

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Pediatric Orthopaedics Clinic locations

  • Idaho Falls Community Hospital Pediatric Specialty Center

    2330 Desoto Street
    Idaho Falls, ID 83404

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  • Primary Children's Hospital (PCH)

    100 N. Mario Capecchi Drive
    Suite 4550,
    Salt Lake City, UT  84113

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  • Lehi Primary Children’s Hospital

    2250 N Miller Campus Dr
    Suite 300,
    Lehi, UT 84043

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  • Utah Valley Outpatient Center (Provo)

    1157 N. 300 W.
    Suite 302,
    Provo, UT 84604

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  • Layton Intermountain Hospital (Layton)

    201 W. Layton Parkway,
    Suite 3B,
    Layton, UT 84041

    Tel :

  • Outreach Clinic - Missoula MT

    2360 Mullan Rd
    Suite C,
    Missoula MT 59808

    Tel :

  • Outreach Clinic - St. George

    1380 E Medical Center Drive,
    Bldg 1; St.
    George UT 84790

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  • Outreach Clinic - Moab

    Moab Regional Hosp,
    450 Williams Way,
    Moab UT 84532

    Tel :

  • Outreach Clinic - Blanding

    San Juan Health Dept.,
    735 S 200 W Ste 2,
    Blanding UT 84511

    Tel :

  • Outreach clinic - Vernal

    Tricounty Health Dept.,
    133 S 500 E,
    Vernal UT 84078

    Tel :

  • Outreach Clinic- Idaho Falls, ID

    Pediatric Specialty Clinic,
    Eastern ID Regional Medical Center,
    2330 Desoto St.
    Idaho Falls 83401

    Tel :