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Radial head fractures are a common type of elbow fracture that typically occurs after a fall on an outstretched arm. [1] They account for approximately one third of all elbow fractures and are frequently associated with other injuries of the elbow. [2] [3] Radial head fractures are diagnosed by a clinical assessment and medical imaging.
Awareness of normal anatomic features is crucial for the interpreter to be able to detect subtle signs of fracture. Fat pads should be carefully examined for convexity, which implies joint effusion (e.g., in the hip and elbow). However, the radiographic technique (positioning in particular) must be optimal for this evaluation to be valid.
Olecranon fracture is a fracture of the bony portion of the elbow. The injury is fairly common and often occurs following a fall or direct trauma to the elbow. The olecranon is the proximal extremity of the ulna which is articulated with the humerus bone and constitutes a part of the elbow articulation. Its location makes it vulnerable to ...
The posterior fat pad is normally pressed in the olecranon fossa by the triceps tendon, and hence invisible on lateral radiograph of the elbow. [3] When there is a fracture of the distal humerus, or other pathology involving the elbow joint, inflammation develops around the synovial membrane forcing the fat pad out of its normal physiologic resting place.
Antero-posterior (AP) and lateral view of the elbow joint should be obtained. Any other sites of pain, deformity, or tenderness should warrant an X-ray for that area too. X-ray of the forearm (AP and lateral) should also be obtained for because of the common association of supracondylar fractures with the fractures of the forearm.
Elbow pain is a common complaint in both the emergency department and in primary care offices. The CDC estimated that 1.15 million people visited an emergency room for elbow or forearm-related injuries in 2020. [1] There are many possible causes of elbow discomfort but the most common are trauma, infection, and inflammation.
An injury resulting in an outward (valgus) stress on the elbow, such as falling on an outstretched hand causes an avulsion fracture of the medial epicondyle. [citation needed] The medial epicondyle is often the final growth plate (ossification center) to ossify in the elbow. Growth plates are particularly vulnerable to injury compared to bone.
The elbow extension test is simple test that can be administered as part of the physical exam to help guide healthcare providers diagnosis and management of acute elbow fractures. The elbow extension test is performed when an elbow fracture, most commonly caused by trauma , is suspected as the source of pain and dysfunction.