Fractured Proximal Radius, Lateral View

Description

Seen in lateral profile, the proximal radius is rendered with the radial head aligned against the capitulum of the distal humerus, and the radial neck immediately distal to the head shows an impacted fracture surface. The ulna sits posterior and slightly medial, forming the trochlear notch at the elbow and the radial notch at the proximal radioulnar joint where the radial head rotates during pronation and supination. Fracture emphasis centers on the neck, just distal to the articular rim, with cortical disruption and subtle shortening consistent with impaction. Orientation is clear. Radial head and neck fractures are common after a fall on the outstretched hand, and a lateral view helps you judge displacement at the radiocapitellar joint and angulation through the neck that may block forearm rotation. Mason type II and III patterns often hide on anteroposterior radiographs, so teaching the lateral relationship of the radial head to the capitulum and the nearby ulnohumeral joint is practical when correlating with a posterior fat pad sign or elbow effusion. Associated injuries matter, including interosseous membrane disruption with distal radioulnar joint instability (Essex-Lopresti), and this angle makes the proximal radioulnar articulation easier to conceptualize during exam and operative planning. Ideal for undergraduate upper-limb anatomy labs, emergency medicine and orthopaedic teaching slides on elbow trauma, and publisher-ready figures accompanying chapters on radial head arthroplasty, open reduction and internal fixation, or nonoperative management with early mobilization. It also suits patient-facing materials that explain why pain with pronation and supination can persist after an apparently small proximal radius fracture. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.