II. Views
- Standard Views
- Anteroposterior
- Lateral
- Special views
- Radial Head-Capitellum View
- Isolates radial head without overlapping shadows
- Radial Head-Capitellum View
III. Technique
- Elbow in 90 degree flexion
- Compare with opposite elbow
IV. Evaluation: Landmarks on lateral Elbow XRay
- Anterior humeral line
- Line drawn along the anterior edge of the Humerus
- Passes through middle third of the capitellum
- Radiocapitellar Line
- Line drawn longitudinally through center of proximal radius
- Line should bisect the capitellum
V. Evaluation: Findings suggestive of Fracture
- Sail Sign (effusion displaces the anterior fat pad)
- Consider Radial Head Fracture
- May also represent synovitis or spontaneous hemarthrosis without Fracture
- Posterior fat pad sign (always pathologic)
- Child: Supracondylar Fracture
- Adult: Radial Head Fracture
VI. Precautions
- Elbow Ossification Centers need to be considered when reviewing Elbow XRays in children
VII. References
- Gharahbaghian in Herbert (2017) EM:Rap 17(11): 7-9