Annular ligament displacement (ALD)--also termed radial head subluxation, 
nursemaid's elbow, or pulled elbow--can be successfully diagnosed and treated 
over the telephone by properly trained medical professionals instructing 
nonmedical caretakers. Two case reports of successful ALD reduction via 
telephone are described. The pathology of ALD and techniques for its treatment 
are reviewed, and guidelines are given. The rationale for the introduction of 
the new term annular ligament displacement as well as areas for additional 
investigation are discussed. To our knowledge, this is the first published 
account of ALD reduction via telephone.