First described by Fournier in 1671, it is one of the common elbow injuries in infants and young children. The onset age ranges from 1 to 4 years, with the highest incidence between 2 and 3 years, accounting for 62.5%. It is more common in boys than girls and occurs more frequently on the left side than the right. Radial head subluxation is prone to occur when the elbow is extended and the forearm is suddenly pulled longitudinally in a pronated position. A typical scenario is when an adult pulls a child's arm while helping them climb stairs.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

During subluxation, the child experiences elbow pain and cries. The elbow is semi-flexed, the forearm is in grade II pronation, and the child is unwilling to supinate or flex the elbow. They refuse to lift or move the affected limb, and there is tenderness at the radial head. X-ray findings are negative.

bubble_chart Diagnosis

There is a history of upper limb traction, elbow pain without swelling or deformity, elbow joint flexion, and tenderness at the radial head. X-ray findings are negative.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

Reduction is performed without anesthesia. First, supinate the forearm, extend the elbow slightly with traction, and press the radial head with the thumb while flexing the elbow joint. If necessary, rotate the forearm back and forth until a clicking sound of reduction is felt. After reduction, the elbow and forearm should move freely. Post-reduction, use a triangular sling for one week. If pain or recurrence occurs during movement, immobilize the elbow at 90 degrees of flexion with a cast for two weeks. Avoid pulling the child's arm to prevent recurrence. After ages 4-6, the radial head grows larger and is less likely to dislocate.