Elbow Imaging

Xrays are done predominantly for fractures and other red flag conditions, and are not helpful for conditions such as tendinopathies.

Rules for imaging in the trauma setting

• Significant force applied to the elbow
• Immediate loss of elbow function
• Marked soft tissue swelling / contusion
• Bony tenderness
• Instability shown on examination (varus / valgus aligned stress testing)

• History of trauma consistent with fracture or dislocation
• Bone tenderness in patients with no other diagnosis – as a screen for intra-osseous pathology
• Compression of the joint reproduces pain – as a screen for intra-articular pathology
• Risk factors for osteoporosis or pathological fractures (Paget’s)
• In the presence of abnormal movements of the elbow (instability / locking