Nursemaid’s elbow is a radial head subluxation caused by axial traction on the extended arm while
the forearm is pronated, allowing for slippage of the radial head. A 2-year-old boy presented with
pain, swelling and reduced range of movement of the right elbow for 4 days. The mother noted that
the child was moving the right upper limb less often and there was tenderness over the right elbow.
X-ray of the right elbow showed subluxation of the elbow joint with no obvious fracture. A trial of
conservative management was decided upon and the patient was placed on a right elbow backslab
with the right forearm in a supine position. On follow-up, there was no swelling, tenderness or
neurological deficit noted. A repeate x-ray revealed normal findings.