S53.031A Nursemaid's elbow, right elbow, initial encounter

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Nursemaid's elbow, right elbow, initial encounter
- Also known as pulled elbow or radial head subluxation.

#### Summary
- Nursemaid's elbow is a common injury among young children, where the elbow partially dislocates, often resulting from a sudden tug or pull on the child's outstretched arm.

#### Causes
- The most common cause is a sudden pulling force on the arm, such as when an adult quickly yanks a child's arm, pulls the child up by the hand, or swings the child by the arms.

#### Risk Factors
- Age: Most common in children under 5 years old, as their joints and ligaments are still developing.
- Activities that involve pulling or jerking these children by the arms.

#### Symptoms
- Immediate pain in the affected elbow.
- The child may refuse to use the arm or hold it close to their body with a slightly bent elbow.
- Reduced or complete loss of arm movement.

#### Diagnosis
- Primarily diagnosed via physical examination.
- X-rays are rarely needed unless there's suspicion of a fracture.

#### Treatment Options
- Manual reduction: A healthcare provider may perform a maneuver to gently move the bones of the elbow back into place.
- After reduction, motion usually returns quickly, and pain resolves within a short time.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- Excellent prognosis with prompt treatment.
- Most children regain full function of the arm soon after treatment.
- Follow-up appointment might be scheduled to ensure proper healing.

#### Complications
- Rare, but repeated incidents can occur if preventive measures are not taken.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Avoid pulling, lifting, or swinging a child by the arms.
- Educate caregivers on safe methods to hold and lift young children.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Seek immediate medical attention if the child is in pain, not using the arm normally, or if you suspect there's an elbow injury from pulling.

#### Additional Resources
- American Academy of Pediatrics: [AAP Website](https://www.aap.org)
- Mayo Clinic: [Nursemaid's Elbow Information](https://www.mayoclinic.org)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Confirm that the diagnosis is for the right elbow and this is an initial encounter.
- Avoid confusion with codes for fractures or other elbow injuries.

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