elbow Xray (musculoskeletal imaging in primary care)
Last reviewed 01/2018
Elbow Xray
- in elbow pain with suspected OA or loose bodies, or post trauma, x-ray examination
is indicated
- majority of cases of epicondylitis are managed with no imaging initially
but suspected joint effusion necessitates x-ray analysis (with ultrasound)
- X-rays do not contribute to the management of the vast majority of soft tissue lumps throughout the body but are indicated with bony lumps
Notes:
General Indications for x-ray examination
- Bony tenderness
- Inability to weight-bear
- Acute joint pain
- Gross joint deformity
- Acute spinal pain in elderly (to rule out osteoporotic wedge fracture)
Reference:
- 1) Arthritis Research UK (Summer 2013). Hands on - Musculoskeletal imaging for GPs.