Review and understand normal anatomy of the elbow and its components. Present the most common elbow traumatic injuries and describe their radiographic appearance using conventional radiography and cross-sectional imaging. Discuss the basic management and most common complications.

Traumatic elbow injuries are a common encounter in the emergency department. Most elbow fractures in children are supracondylar and are the result of a fall on an outstretched hand. In contrast, radial head fracture is the most common elbow fracture in adults. Evaluation of traumatic elbow injuries requires prompt radiographic detection to assess for possible secondary complications. Vast understanding of the most common injury mechanisms will aid direct early imaging evaluation to ease the detection of the most clinically relevant associated injuries.

Review of elbow anatomy and function Anatomy The elbow is a synovial joint composed of three articulations. ­The humeroradial articulation is formed between the capitellum of the humerus and the radial head, while the humero-ulnar articulation is formed between the trochlea of the humerus and the trochlear notch of the ulna. The radial head and the radial notch of the ulna form the radioulnar articulation. It is enclosed by the fibrous layer of the joint capsule while the synovial membrane lines the internal surface of...

Diagnosis of traumatic elbow injuries relies heavily on accurate and efficient imaging interpretation. Elbow injuries are very common in the general population and are frequently encountered in the emergency department. Radiologists must be able to review and understand the normal anatomy of the elbow and the most common mechanisms of injury to direct early imaging evaluation.

Amanda P. Marrero-González, MD PGY3 Diagnostic Radiology Resident [email protected] Department of Diagnostic Radiology - University of Puerto Rico - School of Medicine PO Box 365067 San Juan, PR 00936-5067 787-758-2525 (ext. 2482)

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