injuries poisoning
Ulnar and Radial Shaft Fractures
Diagnosis of Ulnar and Radial Shaft Fractures
Anteroposterior and lateral x-rays Radial and ulnar shaft fractures are generally diagnosed with anteroposterior and lateral x-rays. If a fracture is suspected, the elbow and wrist should also be examined and, when appropriate, x-rayed. The radial head dislocation is easy to overlook in Monteggia fractures because the fracture is so obvious and should be specifically considered if a proximal ulnar fracture is identified. The radial head is typically visible outside of its normal articulation with the capitellum (capitulum). In Monteggia fractures, the radiocapitellar line also is not aligned correctly, suggesting dislocation (see figure Anterior humeral line and radiocapitellar line ). In Galeazzi fractures (similar to Monteggia fractures), the distal radioulnar dislocation is easy to overlook with distal radial shaft fractures and should be specifically considered. 