Presentation
30 year old woman fell of a push-bike onto the left elbow.
Patient Data
Age: 30 years
Gender: Female
From the case:
Radial neck fracture and sail sign
{"current_user":null,"step_through_annotations":true,"access":{"can_edit":false,"can_download":true,"can_toggle_annotations":true,"can_feature":false,"can_examine_pipeline_reports":false,"can_pin":false},"extraPropsURL":"/studies/13459/annotated_viewer_json?iframe=true\u0026lang=us"}
X-rays of the left elbow demonstrate a prominent anterior fat pad (sail sign) with the posterior fat pad also visible. This is consistent with a large joint effusion.
No definite fracture can be seen, although the radial head appears a little ill-defined laterally. This is the most common site of fracture in this scenario.
{"current_user":null,"step_through_annotations":true,"access":{"can_edit":false,"can_download":true,"can_toggle_annotations":true,"can_feature":false,"can_examine_pipeline_reports":false,"can_pin":false},"extraPropsURL":"/studies/17918/annotated_viewer_json?iframe=true\u0026lang=us"}
Note the thin ill-defined sclerotic line across the neck of the radius.
Case Discussion
This case illustrates the utility of repeat x-rays in the setting of suspected but radiographically occult fracture.