Why Is It Called Nursemaid's Elbow?

Elbow subluxation is also called pulled or slipped elbow and was called “nursemaid's elbow” when a child's nanny was inadvertently blamed for causing the injury. The injury occurs when a child's outstretched arm is pulled suddenly.

How did nursemaid elbow get its name?

The term nursemaid's elbow harks back to the days when a nursemaid (nanny) was not a rarity. The condition today should probably be called babysitter's elbow. It is also known as dislocation of the radial head, elbow dislocation, pulled elbow, radial head subluxation, slipped elbow, or toddler elbow.

Is nursemaid's elbow abuse?

This injury is sometimes called "nursemaid's elbow." Although physical abuse is sometimes the cause of this injury, most often a parent, caregiver, or sibling is simply playing or is trying to help or hurry a child along. But if the injury recurs often, abuse may be suspected.