A Practical Method for Obtaining True Lateral Elbow X-rays in a Paediatric Age Group: Lateral Elbow X-ray in the...

Paediatric elbow fractures constitute 10% of all paediatric fractures. Radiological interpretation of the immature elbow is difficult due to its cartilaginous structure. We aimed to describe an X-ray technique in paediatric patients to obtain true lateral elbow X-rays and to prevent the repeat X-ray shots.

Radiographs of 39 children, with a mean age of 48.17 months (range; 7-84 months), with elbow trauma were included. All elbow lateral radiographs were taken in the 90º flexion position. In the first group, radiographs were taken using the standard technique(lateral radiographs in shoulder internal rotation). In the second group, lateral radiographs of the elbow were taken while the patient was standing and the forearm was elevated passively with 90° shoulder abduction and 90° elbow flexion (standing salute position). Three criteria were examined from the graphs to determine the true lateral elbow graphy.

In group 1 (n = 20) and group 2 (n = 19), lateral elbow radiographs were evaluated. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups, in terms of mean age and distal humeral fractures. In group 2; the presence of humeroulnar joint space, partial coronoid superposition of the radius head and presence of the hourglass formation were significantly higher.

It is clear that radiographs taken in appropriate positions decreases diagnostic errors. In our study, the ratio of correct lateral radiographs was significantly higher in the radiograph group in the standing salute position, suggesting this method was safe for accurate lateral radiographs, in accordance with our hypothesis.