RADIOLOGIC EXAMINATION OF THE ELBOW

Roentgenography is the standard diagnostic tool for study of skeletal injuries and diseases around the elbow. The basic x-ray examination of the elbow includes the two standard static positions (frontal and lat eral). If necessary oblique views are required to evaluate the radial head and the coronoid process. Dynamic examination (flexion-extension, ulnar-radial deviation) is indicated when instabilities are suspected . Indication, technique and interpretation of these images should be o f general knowledge in the common practice of the orthopaedic surgeon. For further evaluation in unclear conditions the patient should be re fered to a specialized orthopaedic surgeon. who has not only to decide about the indication of further imaging techniques but also has to es tablish a concept for the different treatment options (e.g. arthroscop y, open surgery). In this article the sequence of the practical releva nt imaging techniques (X-ray, cineradiology, arthrography, bone-scan, CT, MRI) for diagnosis of soft tissue and bony pathology is summarized .