Definition of Nursemaid's elbow:

Nursemaid's elbow is a dislocation of a bone in the elbow called the radius. Dislocation means the bone slips out of its normal position at the elbow joint.

The injury is also called radial head dislocation.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Nursemaid's elbow is a common condition in young children. It generally affects children under age 5. The injury occurs when a child is pulled up too hard by the hand or wrist. It is often seen after someone lifts a child up by one arm. (For example, when trying to lift the child over a curb or high step.)

Other ways this injury may happen include:

• Breaking a fall with the arm
• Rolling over in an unusual way
• Swinging a young child from the arms while playing

Once the elbow dislocates, it is likely to do so again, especially in the 3 or 4 weeks after the injury.

Nursemaid's elbow does not usually occur after age 5. By this time, a child's joints and the structures around it are stronger, and the child is less likely to be in a situation where this injury might occur. However, in some cases, the injury can occur in older children or adults, usually from a fracture of the forearm.