South African Journal of Radiology (Dec 2015)

Elbow your way into reporting paediatric elbow fractures – A simple approach

  • Tracy Kilborn,
  • Halvani Moodley,
  • Stewart Mears

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4102/sajr.v19i2.881
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 19, no. 2
pp. e1 – e11

Abstract

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The evaluation of X-rays of the paediatric elbow in the setting of trauma is challenging. The difficulty arises from the complex developmental anatomy of the elbow, with its multiple ossification centres and the differences in the pattern of injuries between adults and children. It is essential to evaluate the radiographs systematically. This review will provide an overview of the developmental anatomy, the range of soft tissue and skeletal findings, and demonstrate tips and pitfalls in radiographic interpretation in paediatric elbow trauma.