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Radial head fracture

Case contributed by: Dr Frank Gaillard

Presentation:

Fall while drunk. Now painful elbow.

Patient Data:

Age: 35 years

Gender: Male

Race: Caucasian

From the case: Radial head fracture

Modality: X-ray

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There is a mildly displaced intra-articular fracture of the radial head, with a ~2mm articular step-off. Joint effusion noted.

2 study questions available

Case Discussion:

Even when a fracture is invisible, a large elbow joint effusion in an adult, should be treated as a radial head fracture. In this case the fracture is evident, and will probably require ORIF.

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