Elbow Xray (musculoskeletal imaging in primary care)

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.