It may be useful to routinely issue a standardized instruction sheet explaining this possibility to patients. Elbow injuries are fracture prone. Radiographs of this area can be difficult to interpret unless a methodical review of the radiographs is performed. One of the things that should be carefully inspected is the contour of the radial head. The slope from the diaphysis to the metaphysis towards the radial head should be gradual and smooth with no sharp angles associated with it.
View radiograph in a teenager.
Teenager Click here for a better picture This radiograph shows a subtle fracture of the radial head. Note the very slight corner interrupting the smooth contour of the radial head metaphysis. The radial head appears to resemble a knob on a pole rather than a funnel shape. The smooth contour of the radial head as one proceeds from the epiphysis to the metaphysis should be carefully inspected. Any angles noted in this smooth progression may represent a fracture, especially if the clinical findings confirm this.