Abstract
Abstract
Radial head subluxation "pulled elbow" is a common injury in children. Through a retrospective study of patients seen at Oslo A&E, surgical section with this condition during one year, epidemiology and treatment were reviewed and compared to previous similar studies. 342 cases involving children aged 3 and 83 months were analyzed. The mean age was 29 months, and girls were significantly (p<0,05) more frequently affected than boys. The left arm was significantly (p<0,05) more often involved than the right, and pull (58 %) was the most common mechanism of injury. The incidence of recurrency was 23 %. These findings are in accordance with previous research. At Oslo A&E, surgical section most doctors used pronation of the forearm as the reduction technique of choice, and 80 % of the reductions were successful in the first attempt. A radiograph ap. and lat. was performed in 24 % of the patients, mainly in children being exposed to a contusion or an unknown mechanism of injury.