Elbow X-ray (peds)
Elbow Ossification by Age (CRITOE)
| Ossification Center | Age of Appearance (add 1yr for boys) | Age at Fusion |
| Capitellum | 1yr | 12-14 yrs |
| Radial head | 3yr | 14-16 yrs |
| Internal epicondyle | 5yr | 16-18 yrs |
| Trochlea | 7yr | 12-14 yrs |
| Olecranon | 9yr | 15-17 yrs |
| External epicondyle | 11yr | 12-14 yrs |
Reading Film
- Anterior humeral line should intersect with middle third of capitellum
- If not, consider supracondylar fracture or lateral condyle fracture
- Line drawn along axis of radial head and neck should pass through middle of capitellum
- If not, consider fracture of lateral condyle, radial neck, Monteggia, or elbow dislocation
- Fat pads
- Anterior may be normal or if large may be abnormal ("sail sign")
- Posterior is always abnormal