[Traumatic subluxation of the head of the radius (author's transl)]

Radial-head subluxations were noted in 194 patients in the course of two years. It was more frequent in girls than boys (57.7% and 42.3%). The highest incidence was between the first and fourth year of life, with a peak in the first and second years. It no longer occurs after the seventh year. In 82.5% of cases the history was typical: a sudden longitudinal pull of the affected arm. In the remaining 17.5% no exact event could be ascertained. A questionnaire sent to the attending doctors provided replies in 82 cases (42.3%). Reposition by pull and pressure on the head of the radius, supination and acute flexing achieved repositioning in 92.7%, while in 7.3% repeat repositioning was necessary on the same or the next day. After successful repositioning complete absence of symptoms occurred in 98.8%. Incidence of recurrence was 30.5% during a follow-up period of up to a year and a half. The diagnosis had at first been had at first been missed 9.8% of cases.