Fat pad sign

Fat pad sign: Ventral fat pad bowed and dorsal fat pad visible in a case of an undisplaced fracture of the radius head which is not visible directly.

A normal anterior fat pad in a non-fractured arm.

The fat pad sign is a sign that is sometimes seen on lateral radiographs of the elbow following trauma. Elevation of the anterior and posterior fat pads of the elbow joint suggests the presence of an occult fracture.

The fat pad sign is invaluable in assessing for the presence of an intra-articular fracture of the elbow. A anterior fat pad is often normal. However a posterior fat pad seen on a lateral x-ray of the elbow is always abnormal. The patient will be unable to flex their elbow and requires orthopaedic input.