Suspected Radial Head Subluxation in Infants: The Need for Radiologic Evaluation

We present a case series of 2 nonambulatory infants with forearm fractures that were initially diagnosed as radial head subluxation. Current literature supports the use of x-ray in children with atypical or unclear history prior to an attempted pulled elbow reduction. We suggest that this recommendation should be extended to all nonambulatory infants, given the unlikely diagnosis of radial head subluxation, and the necessity for early recognition of injuries that may be indicators of abuse.
Source: Pediatric Emergency Care - Category: Emergency Medicine Tags: Illustrative Cases Source Type: research