Presentation
Left elbow pain after falling on an outstretched arm 2 days prior.
Patient Data
Features suggestive of a supracondylar fracture of the distal left humerus. Radiographic signs include the anterior humeral line intersecting through the anterior 1/3 of the capitellum. Dorsal fat pad and sail sign (anterior fat pad) are consistent with a left elbow effusion.
Case Discussion
Supracondylar fractures are common distal humerus fractures in pediatric patients. Such fractures are often associated with a joint effusion, which may be seen on radiographs as an anterior or posterior fat pad sign. This case demonstrates both a posterior fat pad and an anterior fat pad, also known as the "sail sign." This case also illustrates an anterior humeral line that crosses the anterior third of the capitellum, suggesting a supracondylar fracture. While the anterior humeral line can vary in patients of different ages, it typically crosses in the middle third of the capitellum.
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