Question
What are the typical clinical manifestations when a child experiences a partial radial head dislocation?
Answer
The clinical manifestations of partial radial head dislocation include a history of upper traction injury to the child’s wrist and hand, elbow joint pain, restricted movement, and a posture with the forearm in semi-flexion and internal rotation. During diagnosis, there will be tenderness on the lateral side of the elbow joint, which is a typical feature of partial radial head dislocation. Although X-rays often fail to detect changes in radial head dislocation, reduction can be performed without anesthesia. During the reduction process, the surgeon will hold the child’s wrist with one hand and the elbow with the other, pressing on the radial head with the thumb. Bend the elbow to 90 degrees, gently rotate the forearm backward and inward several times, and then gently press on the radial head with the thumb to realign it.