Osteology of the elbow

Question 1

describe the elbow joint

Answer 1

it articulates the radial head with the capitullum and the ulnas trochlea notch with the trochlea notch of the humerus

Question 2

describe the positioning, centring, and collumation required for an AP elbow projection

Answer 2

patient has the arm extended over the image receptor with the posterior aspect of the arm in contact with the image receptor

• elbow shoulder and wrist are all in the same horizontal plane
• centring inbetween the epicondyles with collimattion including theproximal third of the radius and ulna and the distal third of the humerus

Question 3

describe the positioning, centring and collimation required for a lateral elbow

Answer 3

the arm is rotated internally 90 degrees from the AP position

the medial aspect of the elbow is in contact with the image receptor withe the humeral epicondyles and the styloid processes superimpossed

centring should be over the lateral epicondyles with collimation including the proximal third of the radius and ulna and the distal third of the humerus and soft tissue

Question 4

describe a radial head fracture and the 4 ways in which it can fracture

Answer 4

a radial head fracture is common in adults and is caused by a FOOSH causing the radial head tto be pushed up against the capitillum

the 4 ways in which the radial head can fracture is by shear fracture, tilt,crush, and a vertical split

Question 5

since it is difficult to identify a radial head fracture. what clues would radiographers use to identify a fractured radial head

Answer 5

radiographers will check for the displacement of the fat pads which indicate an abnormality

sometimes being able to visualise the anterior fatpad is normal

however if the posterior fat pad can be seen then there is definetly an abnormality