A patient enters the ED with a radial head fracture and dislocation.The ED physician orders an elbow series.The elbow is flexed near 90° and is unable to extend it farther.Which of the following positioning routines would work best for this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

For a patient with a radial head fracture and dislocation who is unable to extend the elbow past 90°, the recommended positioning routines are AP partial flexion, lateral, and trauma axiolateral (Coyle method) projections. AP partial flexion allows for better visualization of the radial head and coronoid process, while the lateral projection demonstrates the capitellum and olecranon. The trauma axiolateral (Coyle method) projection is useful in situations where the patient cannot fully extend their elbow, as it can be performed with the arm in partial flexion.

A Patient Enters the ED with a Radial Head Fracture