INTRODUCTION: To provide an epidemiological description of radial head 
subluxation, also known as nursemaid's elbow, from a database of emergency 
department visits.
METHODS: We conducted a retrospective medical record review of patients 6 years 
of age and younger, who presented to the ED between January 1, 2005, and 
December 31, 2012, and were diagnosed with nursemaid's elbow. Inclusion criteria 
consisted of chart information, including date, unique account number, medical 
record number, weight, age, sex, and arm affected. Exclusion criteria included 
any charts with missing or incomplete data.
RESULTS: There were 1,228 charts that met inclusion criteria. The majority of 
patients were female (60%). The mean age was 28.6 months (±12.6). The left arm 
was affected 60% of the time. Most of the included patients were over the 75(th) 
percentile for weight and more than one quarter were over the 95(th) percentile 
in each gender.
CONCLUSION: The average age of children presenting with nursemaid's elbow was 
28.6 months. Females were affected more than males, and the left arm was 
predominately affected. Most patients were above the 75(th) percentile for 
weight and more than one quarter were over the 95(th) percentile for weight.