Presentation
Sustained a fall.
Patient Data
Age: 70 years
Gender: Female
From the case:
Subtle radial neck fracture
![](https://prod-images-static.radiopaedia.org/images/53309740/d32dccc0b9b3d16e159fa69ae89b7d_thumb.jpeg)
![](https://prod-images-static.radiopaedia.org/images/53309741/fbdfabba339c680d78b4c704415f6a_thumb.jpeg)
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Info
![](https://prod-images-static.radiopaedia.org/images/53309740/d32dccc0b9b3d16e159fa69ae89b7d_big_gallery.jpeg)
- striking anterior fat pad sign indicating elbow joint effusion
- cortical breach along the circumference of the radial neck, adjacent sclerotic band caused by a discrete impaction
From the case:
Subtle radial neck fracture
![](https://prod-images-static.radiopaedia.org/images/53309742/fa8b999249f5307d05e98c97e29a79_thumb.jpeg)
![](https://prod-images-static.radiopaedia.org/images/53309743/b43eb7be536956f980a3edf527003a_thumb.jpeg)
Download
Info
![](https://prod-images-static.radiopaedia.org/images/53309742/fa8b999249f5307d05e98c97e29a79_big_gallery.jpeg)
Key images:
- anterior fat pad sign
- broken cortex (arrows)
- sclerotic band due to impaction (arrowheads)
Case Discussion
The anterior fat pad sign should be taken as hard evidence of trauma, necessitating careful scrutiny and high level of suspicion.