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Subluxation of the head of the radius in children: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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ICD-10 code
S53.0. Dislocation of the head of the radius.
Epidemiology of radial head subluxation
Subluxation of the radial head is most often seen in children aged 1 to 4 years.
During this period, children often fall, and the adults accompanying them, trying to prevent the fall, pull the child by the straightened arm. Traction along the axis is supplemented by rotation of the forearm and shoulder. The head of the radius is slightly displaced forward. The subluxation is held by the pinched joint capsule and the annular ligament.
[ Symptoms of subluxation of the radial head
The child is crying, complaining of pain in the forearm. The functions of the elbow joint are impaired, the forearm is pronated.
Diagnosis of subluxation of the radial head
Inspection and physical examination
On palpation, slight swelling is detected along the anterior and outer surface of the elbow joint; active and passive flexion is impossible due to severe pain.
Laboratory and instrumental studies
Radiographs of the elbow joint in two projections do not reveal any pathology.
Treatment of subluxation of the radial head
Treatment of subluxation of the head of the radial bone is achieved by traction of the forearm along the axis, its supination, pressure on the head of the radial bone and flexion at the elbow joint.
After the manipulation, the arm is suspended on a sling for 3-5 days.