Radial head subluxation: Difference between revisions

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*Radial head subluxation due to longitudinal traction on arm
*Radial head subluxation due to longitudinal traction on arm
**Annular ligament of radius displaces into radiocapitellar articulation
**Annular ligament of radius displaces into radiocapitellar articulation
*Age 1y-5y (peak 2y-3y)


==Clinical Features==
==Clinical Features==
*Sudden onset
*Sudden onset of pain and unwillingness to use affected elbow/arm
*Age 1y-5y (peak 2y-3y)
*Typical history = sudden pull on extended arm (e.g. swinging the child by arms while playing, pulling child back from walking into intersection, etc)
*Typical history: Sudden pull on extended arm. Swinging the child by adult while playing.
*Generally there is no edema, focal tenderness, or bruising
*Absence of edema, focal tenderness, or bruising


==Differential Diagnosis==
==Differential Diagnosis==
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==Evaluation==
==Evaluation==
*If classic history/physical
*Generally clinical diagnosis
**→ proceed directly to reduction maneuver without imaging
*Imaging not required before attempting reduction
*If unclear or atypical history/physical
**→ consider x-ray first and/or alternative diagnosis
**typically will not present with warmth, swelling, tenderness to direct palpation, or bruising


==Management==
==Management==
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===Post-Reduction===
===Post-Reduction===
*If successful patient will have FROM within 30min
*If successful patient will have return of full range of motion within 30min
*If unsuccessful after multiple attempts, obtain x-ray and consider alternative diagnoses (e.g. [[Salter-Harris fracture]])
*If unsuccessful after multiple attempts, obtain x-ray and consider alternative diagnoses (e.g. [[Salter-Harris fracture]])


==Disposition==
==Disposition==
*If reduced and moving arm, outpatient
*Discharge if successful reduction and return of use of arm
**Sling and/or other immobilization are contra-indicated


==See Also==
==See Also==
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==References==
==References==
<references/>
<references/>


[[Category:Pediatrics]]
[[Category:Pediatrics]]
[[Category:Orthopedics]]
[[Category:Orthopedics]]

Revision as of 03:00, 10 May 2017

Background

  • Radial head subluxation due to longitudinal traction on arm
    • Annular ligament of radius displaces into radiocapitellar articulation
  • Age 1y-5y (peak 2y-3y)

Clinical Features

  • Sudden onset of pain and unwillingness to use affected elbow/arm
  • Typical history = sudden pull on extended arm (e.g. swinging the child by arms while playing, pulling child back from walking into intersection, etc)
  • Generally there is no edema, focal tenderness, or bruising

Differential Diagnosis

Elbow Diagnoses

Radiograph-Positive

Radiograph-Negative

Pediatric

Evaluation

  • Generally clinical diagnosis
  • Imaging not required before attempting reduction

Management

Reduction

Hyperpronation has greater first try success rate (94% vs 69%), but both have similar overall reduction rate;[1] consider doing both techniques at once in quick succession

  • Hyperpronation Technique
    • Hold patient's elbow at 90 degrees with one hand
    • With other hand hyperpronate patient's wrist
  • Supination Technique
    • Hold patient's elbow at 90 degrees with one hand
    • With other hand supinate patient's wrist and flex elbow

Post-Reduction

  • If successful patient will have return of full range of motion within 30min
  • If unsuccessful after multiple attempts, obtain x-ray and consider alternative diagnoses (e.g. Salter-Harris fracture)

Disposition

  • Discharge if successful reduction and return of use of arm

See Also

References

  1. Pronation versus supination maneuvers for the reduction of 'pulled elbow': a randomized clinical trial. Eur J Emerg Med. 2009 Jun;16(3):135-8. doi: 10.1097/MEJ.0b013e32831d796a.