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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffImaging exams that may be used include:
- X-rays. X-rays employ a small amount of radiation to produce clear images of bones. They are helpful in determining how the bones are lying and whether any of them have been broken by the impact that caused the dislocated elbow.
- Computerized tomography (CT). A CT scan can visualize both bones and soft tissues such as the ligaments that bind the joint together. A CT scan uses X-ray images taken from many different directions to create cross-sectional views of internal structures.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). If more detail is needed, your doctor may suggest an MRI. This technology uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to produce very detailed images of bones and soft tissues.
References
- Khan SO, et al. Elbow dislocations in the adult athlete and pediatric patient. In: DeLee JC, et al. DeLee and Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/172412241-3/919462328/2079/36.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3143-7..00019-1--s1270_2729. Accessed Nov. 19, 2009.
- Elbow dislocations and fracture-dislocations. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00029. Accessed Nov. 19, 2009.
- Geiderman JM, et al. Elbow dislocations. In. Marx JA, et al. Rosen's Emergency Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/book.do?method=display&type=bookPage&decorator=header&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05472-0..00049-9--s0350&displayedEid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05472-0..00049-9--s0355&uniq=172423062&isbn=978-0-323-05472-0&sid=919484592. Accessed Nov. 19, 2009.
- Kuhn MA, et al. Acute elbow dislocations. Orthopedic Clinics of North America. 2008;39:155.
- Neurological diagnostic tests and procedures. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/misc/diagnostic_tests.htm. Accessed Nov. 24, 2009.
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