Patient's question:
My child might have a radial head subluxation. It might have happened yesterday when I was helping him climb the stairs, possibly due to excessive force. Currently, he only complains of pain. I would like to ask the doctor, what are the symptoms of radial head subluxation? What are the symptoms of subluxation of the radial head in children?Doctor's answer:
Children's radial head subluxation often occurs when an adult guides the child to step up, or when the radial head slides toward the distal end, such as pulling the child up from the bed to put on sleeves and clothes, or walking in circles holding the child's hand. This typically presents with the elbow joint extended and the forearm suddenly internally rotated. The radial head then returns to its original position, but the upper part of the annular ligament cannot retract, becoming trapped between the arm neck joint, resulting in radial head subluxation.Radial head subluxation is common in children under 5 years old. Due to the weak attachment point of the annular ligament and the underdeveloped radial head, when the child is dressed, falls, or their hand is pulled while the forearm is in pronation, the annular ligament slides proximally, tearing its attachment point. This causes the radial head to slide forward and downward, forming subluxation. After subluxation, the child may shrug their shoulders, slightly flex the elbow joint to hug their chest without moving, and may cry out when passive movement causes increased pain.