Which condition is most likely related to an injury from excessive tugging on the arm of a child?

The condition most likely related to an injury from excessive tugging on the arm of a child is radial head subluxation, commonly known as "nursemaid's elbow." This injury occurs when a child's arm is pulled suddenly, causing the annular ligament to slip over the radial head. Children are particularly susceptible to this type of injury due to the anatomical characteristics of their joints and the relative laxity of their ligaments when compared to adults.

In the case of excessive tugging, the radial head can slip out of its normal position, leading to pain and an inability to use the affected arm properly. The presentation often includes holding the arm close to the body and reluctance to move it.

Other conditions listed, such as a humeral fracture, rotator cuff tear, or distal radius fracture, are less common in this scenario. These injuries typically result from high-energy trauma or more severe accidents rather than the relatively low-force pull that characterizes nursemaid's elbow.