Nursemaids's Elbow can occur any time a young child receives a sharp pull or twist to the arm. This occurs most often in children ages one to four and happens because the bones that make up the arms are not yet fully developed. A portion of soft tissue is pulled between two areas of the bones that make up the elbow joint. As the child matures these bones develop and it is less likely that they will be pulled out of joint by force to the arm, unless that force is extreme. Preventing nursemaid's elbow requires an understanding of the bone structure and actively avoiding situations that may cause this injury.
Instructions
1. Lift young children by placing your hands under their arm pits instead of lifting them by the arm itself. Even though your child may be lightweight, lifting the weight of the body with the arm is enough strain to cause the elbow to be pulled out of joint.
2. Avoid swinging children by the arms. Your child may enjoy being held by the hands and allowed to swing freely as you spin around, but this involves the risk of dislocating the elbow and causing nursemaid's elbow.
3. Use caution when assisting a child in putting on coats or sweaters when he is having difficulty putting his arms in the sleeves. Never pull the arm or hand through the sleeve. Slip your hand under the arm pit and run your hand along the upper arm to extend it into the sleeve.
4. Avoid grasping the child by the arm to avoid falls or prevent a dangerous situation. If possible, grasp the child by the body instead.
5. Never pull a child by the arm when he resists walking with you. He can easily twist in and pull the arm out of joint in his efforts to break free and continue with the activity. Get down to his level and talk to him, or simply pick him up and physically move him. A struggling child may pull and twist his own arm out of joint without realizing it if he is determined to move in the opposite direction.
6. Supervise your child closely when he is playing with a moving object. A wrong turn and a tug on a heavy toy can cause injury.
7. Eliminate the possibility of injury by moving ropes out of the reach of your child. Never allow him to swing on a rope with his arms.
8. Inform all family members and caregivers of the risks involved in pulling or twisting a child's arm. Education is the key to safe and enjoyable activities and preventing injuries that result in nursemaid's elbow.
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