title: Radiographic evaluation of the elbow.
abstract: Despite a number of advanced imaging modalities, plain film x-ray is essential for diagnostic evaluation of the elbow. Although computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging continue to provide many uses in subtle processes or advanced evaluation, x-rays should typically provide initial, and often all, necessary imaging. Plain film imaging is used to evaluate trauma including fractures and dislocations, occult or suspected bony injury, instability patterns, tumor, arthritis and degenerative disease, and causes of associated pathology such as compression neuropathy.
authors.affiliation: Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center, Indianapolis, IN.
authors.forename: Nicholas E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Crosby
authors.affiliation: Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center, Indianapolis, IN. Electronic address: handdr@mac.com.
authors.forename: Jeffrey A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Greenberg
mesh_terms: D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D056888:Patient Positioning / Q000379:methods; D011859:Radiography / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D000092464:Elbow Injuries
keywords: Elbow; evaluation; radiographic; x-ray