Step by Step Approach to Interpretation of Pediatric Elbow Radiography

Pediatric elbow traumas are common and may be cause of different types of injuries such as soft tissue, bony, or cartilage injuries. Fall on an outstretched hand is the most common mechanism of injury that results in hyperextension or valgus load to the elbow . Compared with adults, higher incidence and variability of elbow fracture patterns in pediatrics make these injuries difficult to recognize . Almost 70% of all pediatric fractures are related to upper extremity. Supracondylar humerus fracture is most common. The second and third common fractures are lateral humeral condyle and medial humeral epicondyle fractures . Interpretation of pediatric elbow radiography needs a systematic approach to prevent misdiagnosis. In this study, we explained a six-step approach to elbow radiography for better diagnosis of the injury.