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Download the article PDF: Clinical Image Challenges January 2026
A 4-year-old male presents to urgent care with a swollen, painful right elbow. The mother reports that the child had a witnessed fall from the monkey bars 1 hour prior to arrival. He fell onto his outstretched right hand, was in immediate pain that has not subsided, and has refused to let anyone touch his arm. On initial examination, vital signs are stable, and patient is afebrile. Swelling is noted over the right elbow, and there is diffuse tenderness over the elbow joint. The patient is unable to flex or extend the elbow. Â
View the lateral elbow x-ray image and consider what your diagnosis and next steps would be. Resolution of the case is described on the following page.
