How to prepare for a video visit about Nursemaid’s Elbow (Radial Head Subluxation) - Triage

Audience: adult

Nursemaid’s elbow, also called radial head subluxation, is a common injury where a child's elbow joint partially slips out of place. It often happens when a child's arm is pulled suddenly. This condition causes pain and limited arm movement. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help assess the situation and guide you on next steps. During the visit, the provider will ask about how the injury happened and observe the child's arm movement. Telemedicine can be helpful for initial evaluation and advice, but sometimes an in-person visit is needed for treatment or if symptoms are severe. Preparing for your video visit by gathering information and creating a calm environment can make the appointment more effective. Remember, this guidance is educational and not a substitute for in-person medical care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child cannot move the arm at all or refuses to use it even after some time.
• Visible deformity, swelling, or bruising around the elbow or arm.
• Signs of severe pain, fever, or other symptoms suggesting infection or fracture.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment and advice for suspected nursemaid’s elbow.
• Guidance on home care and monitoring symptoms.
• Determining if urgent in-person care is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical procedures to reduce the subluxation.
• Diagnosing fractures or other serious injuries requiring imaging.
• Managing severe pain or complications needing emergency care.

What is Nursemaid’s Elbow?

Nursemaid’s elbow is when the radius bone in the elbow partially slips out of its normal position. It usually happens in young children when their arm is pulled or yanked suddenly. This can cause immediate pain and difficulty moving the arm.

How Telemedicine Can Help

A video visit allows a healthcare provider to ask about the injury and watch how your child moves their arm. They can help decide if the injury looks like nursemaid’s elbow and if home care or an in-person visit is needed. Telemedicine can provide quick advice and reassurance.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If the child has severe pain, swelling, deformity, or cannot move the arm at all, an in-person visit is important. Also, if the arm looks injured in other ways or symptoms worsen, prompt physical examination is needed.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your appointment, have the following ready:

What to Expect During the Visit

The provider will ask about the injury and watch your child move their arm. They may guide you to gently test movement. Based on this, they will advise if the injury can be managed at home or if you should visit a clinic or emergency room.

After the Video Visit

Follow the provider’s advice carefully. This may include rest, pain relief, and monitoring. If symptoms do not improve or worsen, seek in-person medical care promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit place with good internet connection for the video call.
• Have the child’s injury details ready: when and how it happened.
• Prepare to show the injured arm clearly on camera.
• Write down any questions or concerns before the visit.
• Have any relevant medical history or previous injuries noted.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions on care and activity restrictions.
• Use recommended pain relief methods if advised.
• Watch for any worsening symptoms or new signs.
• Schedule an in-person visit if symptoms do not improve or worsen.
• Keep the area protected and avoid pulling or stressing the injured arm.

FAQs

What causes Nursemaid’s Elbow?

It often happens when a young child's arm is pulled suddenly, such as when lifting or swinging the child by the hands or arms.

Can Nursemaid’s Elbow heal on its own?

Sometimes it may improve with rest, but often it requires a healthcare provider to gently guide the bone back into place.

Is Nursemaid’s Elbow serious?

It is usually not serious and heals well with proper care, but prompt treatment helps reduce pain and prevent complications.

Can I treat Nursemaid’s Elbow at home?

Do not try to fix the injury yourself. Seek advice from a healthcare provider, who may guide you on safe care or recommend an in-person visit.

When should I seek emergency care?

If your child has severe pain, swelling, deformity, cannot move the arm, or shows signs of infection like fever, seek emergency care immediately.

Sources

1. Nursemaid's Elbow — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Radial Head Subluxation (Nursemaid's Elbow) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Radial Head Subluxation (Nursemaid's Elbow) — American Academy of Pediatrics.
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 your child has severe symptoms or if you are concerned, seek immediate medical attention.