What are the symptoms of elbow dislocation / nursemaid's elbow?

Symptoms of ELBOW DISLOCATION / NURSEMAID'S ELBOW are: (1) Child started crying after elbow was pulled. (2) No effort to move the elbow, elbow hangs loosely and cannot be bent. (3) Elbow pain. (4) Difficulty moving the joint(s). (5) Joint pain

Elbow Dislocation / Nursemaid's Elbow Quiz

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Reviewed By:

Tomohiro Hamahata, MD (Orthopedic surgery)

Dr. Hamahata graduated from the Jikei University of Medical Science. After working at Asanokawa General Hospital and Kosei Chuo Hospital, he joined the Department of Orthopedics at Asakusa Hospital in April 2021, specializing in general orthopedics and joint replacement surgery.

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Learn more about Elbow dislocation / nursemaid's elbow

Content updated on Sep 20, 2022

What is elbow dislocation / nursemaid's elbow?

Elbow joint dislocation. In young children, the elbow joint is loose and can be dislocated just by pulling on the arm. Affected children may complain of severe pain or become unable to bend the elbow.

Symptoms of elbow dislocation / nursemaid's elbow

Child started crying after elbow was pulled
No effort to move the elbow, elbow hangs loosely and cannot be bent
Elbow pain
Difficulty moving the joint(s)
Joint pain

Questions your doctor may ask to check for elbow dislocation / nursemaid's elbow

Your doctor may ask these questions to diagnose elbow dislocation / nursemaid's elbow

Did your child start crying after his/her elbow was pulled?
Do you have elbow pain that makes it hard to flex it?
Do you have elbow pain?
Are your joints stiff and difficult to move?
Do you have any joint pain?

Treatment for elbow dislocation / nursemaid's elbow

This needs quick medical care. The doctor will use a method to put the elbow joint back in place. In some cases, painkillers or medicine to calm the child may be given.