The epidemiology of radial head subluxation ('pulled elbow') in the Aberdeen city area.

The incidence of Radial Head Subluxation in young children in the Aberdeen City Area was ascertained by retrospective review to be 1.2% per year. One hundred and sixty-two cases were recorded, in children aged between 5 and 66 months. The epidemiological features of the condition are reviewed. Extrapolation of these figures to the population of England, Scotland and Wales would suggest an annual incidence of 50,000 cases. This is a condition treatable in general practice, provided of course that the patient is not taken direct to an Accident and Emergency Department.