Technical tip: Radial head subluxation.

Introduction Reduction of a radial head subluxation is a gratifying procedure for both clinicians and parents. With a simple maneuver, a child can be restored to full function in minutes, without the need for costly or time-consuming studies. Radial head subluxation also is referred to as nursemaid’s elbow, pulled elbow, or annular ligament displacement. Clinicians working in the office, urgent care center, or emergency department should be familiar with this common diagnosis. Epidemiology Radial head subluxation has been identified as the most common orthopedic injury among children younger than 6 years of age. It has been described in infants as young as 2 months of age, but has a peak incidence among toddlers, with a mean age of 27 months. Girls are affected more often than boys, and the left arm is involved more often than the right, likely due to most parents being right-handed.