Radiography: elbow

• A high definition film-screen combination is required.
• A grid is not required (a table top technique should be used).
• kV should not exceed about 50.
• Soft tissues should be included.
• A radiograph including both limbs is useful for comparison.
• General anesthesia or heavy sedation is generally required.
• The film should be correctly exposed and developed, and free from movement blur and artifact.
• The anatomical marker must be clearly visible, along with the patient's identification, the date, and the name of the hospital or practice.
  Print off the Owner factsheet on Xray and Ultrasound to give to your clients.

Uses

• An important diagnostic aid in determining the cause of lameness arising from the elbow.
• Fracture Limb fracture.
• Dislocation .
• Arthritis/arthrosis.
• Joint effusion with other causes.
• Investigation of soft tissue injury.
• Neoplasia, but unusual site.

Advantages

• Non-invasive.
• Straightforward.

Technical problems

• Difficult to obtain proper cranio-caudal projections in cases of fractures and luxations.

Time required

Preparation

• Dependent upon the method of chemical restraint (GA or sedation).

Procedure

• 10 to 15 min, or longer, dependent upon skill of radiographer.

Decision taking

Criteria for choosing test

Is the examination appropriate?

• Can you make the diagnosis without it?
• Can it tell you what you need to know?
• Will your management be affected by the radiological findings?

Choosing the right projections

Lateral

• Standard projection. Shows joint spaces and soft tissues  .

Craniocaudal

• Essential in addition to lateral view in cases of suspected fracture and to localize lesions detected on lateral view .
  For optimum demonstration of the proximal radius and ulna use positioning method option 1. For optimum demonstration of the distal humerus, use option 2.