Lateral epicondyle avulsion fracture

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Child with a painful elbow following a playground fall.

Patient Data

Age: 12 years
Gender: Female

Extensive soft tissue swelling is seen around the lateral (external) epicondylar center of ossification. The distance between the ossification center and the metaphysis is increased and it appear displaced somewhat anteriorly. 

Annotated image

The lateral epicondyle (L) is the last center of ossification to appear, and as such all the other centers are also visible: capitellum (C), radial head (R), medial epicondyle (M), trochlear (T) and olecranon (O). 

Case Discussion

This case demonstrates typical appearances of a lateral epicondyle avulsion fracture with associated soft tissue swelling. 

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