Summary

In the medical literature, the discussion of radial head subluxation (RHS) and nursemaid’s elbow may highlight the ability to diagnose and treat the injured patient without obtaining imaging studies. This case reiterates the importance of a thorough physical examination and the use of appropriate imaging when point tenderness is exposed in the injured limb. With point tenderness to the arm, a child with a presumed RHS, otherwise known as nursemaid’s elbow, should be evaluated using radiographic imaging to prevent additional potentially destructive physical manipulation of the patient’s upper extremity.