Do Reduction Maneuvers Affect Recurrence in Pediatric Radial Head Subluxation? A Ten-Year Retrospective Analysis

Abstract Background This study aimed to determine whether the choice of reduction maneuver in patients presenting to the emergency department with nursemaid’s elbow influences the likelihood of recurrent dislocation. Additionally, the study sought to describe the epidemiological characteristics of these cases. Methods This retrospective study included 1359 patients diagnosed with nursemaid’s elbow who presented to the Emergency Department of Malatya Training and Research Hospital from January 2015 to June 2025. Data on demographics, side affected, radiographic evaluation, reduction maneuver, and recurrence were analyzed. The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results The median age was 2 years, with 61.2% female. Most cases (88.1%) were in the 0–3-year age group. Left-sided involvement accounted for 63.0%, right-sided involvement 37.0%. Hyperpronation was used in 68.4%, supination–flexion in 31.6%. Recurrence rate was 4.8%, higher with right elbows and supination–flexion (p < 0.05). Conclusion Nursemaid’s elbow was more common in children under three, particularly girls, and affected the left arm. Recurrence was lower after hyperpronation than after supination–flexion. Level of Evidence Retrospective analysis study.