An audit of comparative views in elbow trauma in children

A comparative radiograph of the contralateral elbow was obtained in only 30 (2.5%) of children examined after elbow trauma. Interpretation by junior clinical staff was changed in only three children (0.25%). Radiological review of the ipsilateral elbow alone altered diagnosis in six (20%) of the 30 children referred for comparative views and agreed with the final clinical diagnosis in 29 (97%). Comparative views were requested by inexperienced clinical staff in 28 (95%) of cases and were unnecessary in all patients. A senior radiological or clinical opinion would have resolved problems at interpretation.