Pediatric Elbow Injuries

Abstract

Elbow trauma in children is one of the most commonly encountered musculoskeletal injuries in pediatric radiology. However, elbow injuries in children can be misdiagnosed due to secondary ossification centers unique to pediatric patients. Familiarity of the normal elbow anatomy in children is crucial for an accurate diagnosis. This article seeks to improve diagnostic accuracy of these elbow injuries by reviewing the secondary ossification centers in the elbow in the pediatric population, followed by a discussion of commonly encountered acute and chronic fractures, dislocations or other injuries. While many elbow injuries are diagnosed with radiographs, there are situations where imaging with computed tomography, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging are essential in the diagnosis of these injuries.