Imaging Case of the Week 213 Answer

The frontal view looks normal. However, the lateral view shows an elevated anterior fat pad, indicating the presence of an effusion.

The lateral view also suggests that the radial head does not intersect the radio-capitellar line, which is a line drawn along the long axis of the radius to the mid capitellum. This is due to dislocation of the radial head.

radial head dislocation

 

A forearm x-ray did not reveal any fracture of the forearm bones.

The patient was managed with closed reduction.