Radial head fracture

Case contributed by Wayland Wang
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Fall on outstretched hand (FOOSH).

Patient Data

Age: 40
Gender: Male
x-ray

Comminuted fracture of the radial head with large joint effusion, indicated by the elevation of anterior and posterior fat pads of the elbow.

Case Discussion

The anterior and posterior sail signs are very helpful and indicate the presence of an elbow joint effusion, which in the setting of trauma should instigate a careful scrutiny for a fracture. In this case, the fracture is obvious, however in many cases the fracture can be very subtle or even not visible, in which case either conservative management including a follow up x-ray or a concurrent CT would be suggested.

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