title: Elbow injuries and fractures.
abstract: Elbow complaints are frequently encountered in the emergency setting. Mechanism of injury often involves direct trauma or a fall on the outstretched hand and arm. Abnormal findings on elbow radiographs can be challenging to identify, thus a systematic approach is essential to identify subtle findings especially with occult fractures. Maintaining a high index of suspicion, identification of normal and abnormal fat pad signs, and proper alignment of specific anatomical lines on elbow radiographs can assist in the identification of hidden fractures.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing & Health Sciences, Robert Morris University, Moon Township, Pennsylvania 15108, USA. dramponi@comcast.net
authors.forename: Denise R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Ramponi
authors.forename: Judith A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Kaufmann
mesh_terms: D001175:Arthrography / Q000379:methods*; D004496:Education, Continuing; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D000092464:Elbow Injuries