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Radiographic Evaluation of the Pediatric Elbow
Book chapter

Radiographic Evaluation of the Pediatric Elbow

Ryan Hoffman, John Prodromo and Martin J. Herman
Pediatric Elbow Fractures, pp 23-34
11 Oct 2017
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-68004-0_3

Abstract

Anterior humeral line Baumann’s angle Elbow x-ray Fat pad Ossification patterns Radiocapitellar line Ulnohumeral line
Pediatric elbow fractures are difficult clinical challenges to manage for many reasons. For the inexperienced surgeon, however, interpretation of x-rays of the injured child’s elbow is perhaps the most daunting of tasks. The elbow is a complex joint with three articulations that allow flexion-extension of the elbow joint as well as pronation-supination of the forearm. The developmental bony anatomy is also complex, as ossification centers form sequentially over time. Starting out as cartilaginous anlagen, the distal humerus, proximal radius, and proximal ulna progress through skeletal maturity via a predictable pattern of ossification. These sequential bony changes make the radiographic appearance of the pediatric elbow appear differently year to year, making x-ray interpretation complicated and fraught with errors of both under- and overdiagnosis of injuries. Mastery of the radiographic assessment of the pediatric elbow is critical to success of care of pediatric elbow trauma and an important goal for the young surgeon.

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