What happens after a telemedicine visit for Nursemaid’s Elbow (Radial Head Subluxation) - Triage

Audience: adult

Nursemaid’s Elbow, also known as radial head subluxation, is a common injury where a child's elbow partially slips out of place. After a telemedicine visit, healthcare providers often guide parents or caregivers on how to safely manage the injury at home. The provider may explain how to gently reposition the elbow or advise when to seek in-person care. Follow-up care usually involves monitoring the child’s comfort and movement. It's important to watch for signs that need urgent attention, such as severe pain, swelling, or inability to move the arm. Telemedicine can help assess the injury and provide advice quickly, but some cases may require a physical exam or imaging. This guide helps adults understand what to expect after a telemedicine visit for Nursemaid’s Elbow and how to support the child’s recovery safely.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child cannot move the arm at all after attempted repositioning — seek emergency care immediately.
• Visible deformity, significant swelling, or bruising around the elbow — get in-person evaluation.
• Fever, increasing pain, or signs of infection such as redness and warmth around the joint — seek prompt medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of suspected Nursemaid’s Elbow based on history and observation.
• Guidance on gentle repositioning maneuvers if appropriate.
• Advice on home care and monitoring after injury.
• Determining if urgent in-person evaluation is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical manipulation to reduce the injury directly.
• Diagnosing fractures or other injuries that require imaging.
• Managing complications such as infections or severe trauma.
• Providing pain medication prescriptions requiring physical examination.

Understanding Nursemaid’s Elbow

Nursemaid’s Elbow happens when the radius bone in the elbow partially slips out of its normal position. This often occurs in young children after a sudden pull on the arm. It causes pain and limits arm movement, but it usually heals quickly with proper care.

What to Expect After Your Telemedicine Visit

During the telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider will ask about the injury and observe the child's arm movement. They may guide you through gentle maneuvers to help reposition the elbow. If successful, the child’s pain and movement should improve soon after. The provider will also explain how to care for the arm at home and when to seek further help.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If the child’s pain worsens, swelling appears, or they cannot move the arm at all, you should seek in-person medical care. Sometimes, an X-ray or physical exam is needed to rule out fractures or other injuries.

Home Care Tips After the Visit

Keep the child comfortable by limiting arm use for a short time. Use a sling if recommended. Apply ice packs wrapped in cloth to reduce swelling. Encourage gentle movement once pain decreases to prevent stiffness.

Follow-Up and Monitoring

Watch the child’s arm over the next few days. Most children recover fully within a week. If symptoms persist or worsen, schedule a follow-up with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have the child’s recent injury details ready, including how and when it happened.
• Ensure good lighting and a quiet environment for the video call.
• Have someone assist with holding or comforting the child during the visit.
• Prepare to show the child’s arm and elbow clearly on camera.
• Have a list of the child’s symptoms and any prior medical history available.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the provider’s instructions on repositioning or arm care.
• Keep the child comfortable and limit arm use as advised.
• Apply ice packs wrapped in cloth to reduce swelling if recommended.
• Monitor the child’s symptoms closely over the next few days.
• Seek in-person care if any red flags develop or symptoms worsen.
• Schedule a follow-up visit if symptoms persist beyond expected recovery time.

FAQs

What is Nursemaid’s Elbow?

Nursemaid’s Elbow is when the small bone in a child's elbow slips out of its normal position, usually after a sudden pull on the arm. It causes pain and limits movement but often heals quickly with proper care.

Can Nursemaid’s Elbow be treated through telemedicine?

Telemedicine can help assess the injury and guide caregivers on gentle repositioning and home care. However, some cases may require in-person evaluation or imaging to rule out other injuries.

When should I take my child to the emergency room?

Seek emergency care if your child cannot move the arm at all, if there is visible deformity, significant swelling or bruising, or if they develop fever or signs of infection around the elbow.

How long does it take to recover from Nursemaid’s Elbow?

Most children recover fully within a few days to a week with proper care. If symptoms persist or worsen, follow up with a healthcare provider.

Can Nursemaid’s Elbow happen again?

Yes, children who have had Nursemaid’s Elbow are at higher risk of it happening again, especially if the arm is pulled suddenly. Avoid pulling or swinging the child by the arms to prevent recurrence.

Sources

1. Nursemaid's Elbow — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Radial Head Subluxation (Nursemaid's Elbow) — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Nursemaid's Elbow (Radial Head Subluxation) — Mayo Clinic.
4. Radial Head Subluxation — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have concerns about your child's health or if symptoms worsen, seek immediate medical attention.