Elbow joint x-ray in traumatology is indicated for suspected periarticular and intraarticular fractures and fractures of the shoulder, radius and ulna. In other branches of medicine, the technique is used to diagnose degenerative-dystrophic changes, neoplasms, developmental abnormalities and purulent-inflammatory processes. The study is usually performed in two, less often in one projection, does not require preparation. Due to the significant radiation load, it is not carried out for children and pregnant women (except for emergency pathologies and cases of unavailability of alternative methods).
Indications
Elbow joint x-ray is prescribed if a supracondylar or transcondylar fracture of the shoulder is suspected, isolated fractures of the shoulder condyles, fracture of the ulnar and coronal processes of the ulna, fracture of the neck and head of the radius, Monteggi fracture (fracture of the upper third of the ulna in combination with dislocation of the beam head) and dislocation of the forearm bones. In purulent surgery, orthopedics, oncology and rheumatology, purulent arthritis, arthrosis, malformations, rheumatic diseases with damage to the elbow joint, benign and malignant neoplasia are considered as indications.
What show
Elbow joint x-ray is one of the most popular and effective diagnostic methods for suspected development of any joint pathology. On X-rays, you can see:
- the proliferation of bone tissue along the edges of the cartilage of the elbow joint;
- violation of the structure of the surface of the bone tissue of the joint;
- localization of calcium deposits.
X-ray helps to detect the pathology of the elbow joint in the early stages of its development, when the patient’s pain is still tolerable and does not cause serious discomfort. At the same time, it must be said that far few patients come to the doctor with mild pain – most are waiting for the moment when it is already difficult to tolerate pain. Also, X-rays help specialists to make an accurate diagnosis, identify complications or concomitant diseases. X-rays are also performed in order to track the dynamics of the course of the disease to assess the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment.
Methodology of conducting
Standard elbow joint x-ray is performed in two projections (straight and lateral). To conduct the study, the patient is seated sideways to the table so that the edge of the table is slightly above the level of the armpit. To take a direct picture, the patient’s arm is stretched as much as possible at the elbow joint and placed on the table with the palm up. For radiography in the lateral projection, the patient is seated slightly lower (so that the shoulder and forearm are on the same level). The arm is bent at a right angle and placed on the table with the palm down.