Can Telemedicine Treat Nursemaid’s Elbow (Radial Head Subluxation) - Triage?

Audience: adult

Nursemaid’s elbow, also called radial head subluxation, is a common injury where the bone in the elbow partially slips out of place. It often happens in young children when the arm is pulled suddenly. Adults may seek telemedicine advice to understand symptoms and next steps. Telemedicine can help by guiding caregivers or adults on what signs to watch for and when to seek urgent care. However, the actual treatment—gently repositioning the bone—usually requires hands-on care by a healthcare professional. Telemedicine visits can support triage, education, and follow-up but cannot replace an in-person exam or treatment. If the injured person has severe pain, swelling, deformity, or cannot move the arm, immediate in-person care is needed. This guide explains what telemedicine can and cannot do for nursemaid’s elbow, how to prepare for a tele-visit, and what to expect afterward. It is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical evaluation.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe pain that does not improve with rest or ice — seek emergency care immediately.
• Visible deformity or swelling of the elbow or arm — urgent in-person evaluation needed.
• Numbness, tingling, weakness, or inability to move the arm or fingers — requires prompt medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessing symptoms and injury history via video or phone.
• Providing education on nursemaid’s elbow and injury prevention.
• Guiding caregivers on when to seek urgent in-person care.
• Offering follow-up advice after treatment.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing the physical maneuver to reposition the slipped bone.
• Conducting a hands-on physical examination.
• Providing imaging tests like X-rays.
• Diagnosing fractures or other serious injuries needing in-person evaluation.

What is Nursemaid’s Elbow?

Nursemaid’s elbow happens when the radius bone near the elbow slips out of its normal position. It commonly occurs in children under 5 years old when the arm is pulled or swung by the hand or wrist. The injury causes sudden pain and the child may hold the arm still and refuse to use it. Adults rarely get this injury, but may seek advice if caring for a child or if unsure about symptoms.

How Can Telemedicine Help?

Telemedicine can provide guidance on recognizing symptoms of nursemaid’s elbow and help decide if urgent care is needed. A healthcare provider can ask questions, observe the arm via video, and advise on safe steps to take. Telemedicine is useful for education, reassurance, and follow-up after treatment. However, the actual repositioning of the bone usually requires an in-person visit to a clinic or emergency room.

When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

Certain signs mean the injury may be more serious or need urgent evaluation. Seek immediate in-person care if there is:

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit, prepare by:

What to Expect After the Telemedicine Visit

After your tele-visit, you may be advised to:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure the injured arm is visible and well-lit during the tele-visit.
• Have a clear description of how and when the injury occurred.
• Be ready to describe symptoms such as pain level and arm movement.
• Prepare any relevant medical history or previous treatments.
• Test your internet connection and device camera before the appointment.

After your tele-visit

• Follow provider recommendations for in-person care if advised.
• Apply ice to reduce swelling if appropriate.
• Keep the arm comfortable and avoid pulling or swinging it.
• Monitor for any worsening symptoms or new signs like numbness.
• Schedule follow-up with your healthcare provider as needed.

FAQs

Can nursemaid’s elbow heal on its own without treatment?

Nursemaid’s elbow often causes pain and limited arm use until the bone is repositioned. While some cases may improve with time, proper treatment by a healthcare provider usually leads to faster relief and prevents repeated injury.

Is telemedicine safe for diagnosing nursemaid’s elbow?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and guide you on next steps, but it cannot replace an in-person exam needed to confirm the diagnosis and perform treatment safely.

What should I do if my child has nursemaid’s elbow?

If you suspect nursemaid’s elbow, avoid pulling or swinging the arm. Seek medical advice promptly. Telemedicine can help triage, but you may need to visit a healthcare provider for treatment.

Can adults get nursemaid’s elbow?

Nursemaid’s elbow is most common in young children due to their joint anatomy. It is rare in adults, but adults may seek telemedicine advice if they or a child have symptoms.

Sources

1. Nursemaid's Elbow — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Radial Head Subluxation (Nursemaid's Elbow) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Radial Head Subluxation — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.
4. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have concerns about an injury or symptoms, please seek evaluation by a healthcare professional in person.