Recurrent nursemaid's elbow (annular ligament displacement) treatment via telephone

Annular ligament displacement (ALD)--also termed radial head subluxation, nursemaid's elbow, or pulled elbow--can be successfully diagnosed and treated over the telephone by properly trained medical professionals instructing nonmedical caretakers. Two case reports of successful ALD reduction via telephone are described. The pathology of ALD and techniques for its treatment are reviewed, and guidelines are given. The rationale for the introduction of the new term annular ligament displacement as well as areas for additional investigation are discussed. To our knowledge, this is the first published account of ALD reduction via telephone.