Radial HED fracture

This is a patient who presented to the emergency room with elbow pain. Radiographs of elbow were obtained. The frontal radiograph does not demonstrate any siginficant abnormality. However, on the lateral radiograph as indicated by the red arrow, there is a nondisplaced fracture of the radial head with intrarticular extension into the elbow joint. As with all intrarticular fractures, there is a moderate to large elbow joint effusion as indicated by a posterior fat pad sign as well as elevation of the anterior fat pad. Radial head fractures are the most common type of elbow fractures in adults. Nondisplaced fractures are treated by casting. Displaced fractures or radial head fractures associated with elbow dislocation may be treated surgically.