United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Has anyone else had a child that seemed prone to these? Michael's daycare provider (who is a warm, caring woman who has cared for all 3 of my kids for a total of almost 7 years) sisn't even notice that he wasn't moving his left arm. When I got there to get him, he was crying and I could tell that something hurt - and then instantly noticed that he wasn't using his left arm (really noticable since he was using his *right* arm for everything!)

A trip to the ER and $100 co-pay later and I have learned how to fix an elbow subluxation.

Anyone else with experience with this? Do I have to start being really careful with both arms? His legs (he had an incident not long ago that was similar to what happened tonight - but with a leg)?

Sally

Sally,
I haven't had any experience with this but just wanted to offer support in hopes that you find the help Michael needs.
Cindy

Hi Sally
Is this "nursemaid's elbow"? Is your son in the 2 to 3 year old range? Children are very prone to this during the toddler/preschool years. My daughter (non-bpi daughter) had this 3 times within 6 months - one trip to the emergency room and I fixed it the 2nd and 3rd time. If this is nursemaid's elbow, once it happens they become more prone to it. And they complain of pain in their wrist usually, not their elbow when this is the case. I was told by the ER that this is the number one injury sustained by children in this age range. It happened to her when she abruptly decided to sit down while someone was holding her hand each time. Fortunately, the second that you "fix" it, the pain goes away. But it is very scary for the little ones.... I hope that he is O.K. now. Michelle

Hi again, Sally
I just looked it up and this is what is known as nursemaid's elbow. Check out this link:
http://www.americanbaby.com/ab/CDA/pedi ... _id=&s=375
Michelle

I know of kids, including my neice who often experience this. It really can be quite normal for many kids in their younger years and they grow out of it. You can save a lot of $, pain and time if you could possibly get someone to show you how to get it back in. I have seen it done a few times and it actually is very easy to do. Maybe a good therapist, doctor, or muscle specialist can show you how. Much better than having to wait in a doctors office and spending money. Good luck

Cindy and Michelle,

Thanks for your replies. Thank you Michelle for the link. Very informative. I printed it off to show to my husband and my mom - both of who are totally freaked out by the whole thing.

Yes, my son is 23 months - so he fits right in that age range. I guess we'll just be more careful with *both* of his arms now!

Sally

Hi Sally
both my neice and my godson suffered from this as young children, it's VERY scary but some children are just prone to it, thankfully both Kirsten (now 26 and a primary school teacher!) and Stuart (14 and VERY athletic) have outgrown it and have NO residual problems with their arms at all.
Karen