Fat pad sign: Ventral fat pad bowed and dorsal fat pad visible in a case of a nondisplaced fracture of the radius head which is not visible directly.A normal anterior fat pad in a non-fractured arm.Anterior sail signs as well as posterior fat pad in a child with a supracondylar fracture.A subtle radial head fracture with associated positive sail sign
The fat pad sign, also known as the sail sign, is a potential finding on elbow radiography which suggests a fracture of one or more bones at the elbow. It is may indicate an occult fracture that is not directly visible. Its name derives from the fact that it has the shape of a spinnaker (sail).[1] It is caused by displacement of the fat pad around the elbow joint. Both anterior and posterior fat pad signs exist, and both can be found on the same X-ray.
In children, a posterior fat pad sign suggests a condylar fracture of the humerus. In adults it suggests a radial head fracture.
In addition to fracture, any process resulting in an elbow joint effusion may also demonstrate an abnormal fat pad sign. Increased intracapsular fluid is also seen in several conditions other than fracture and this produces the abnormal fat pad sign. (toxic synovitis, septic arthritis, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, osteomyelitis of the distal humeral physis and secondary septic joint). In these instances, history and clinical examination in addition laboratory results (WBC, ESR, CRP) will guide the provider in determining whether to treat the condition as an occult fracture or continue workup for other pathology.
The fat pad sign is invaluable in assessing for the presence of an intra-articular fracture of the elbow. An 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.[2]
^Chapman S (1991). "The sail sign". Br J Hosp Med. 46 (6): 399–400. PMID 1760676.
^"RSNA Publications Online". Archived from the original on 2008-06-02. Retrieved 2009-07-17.
The fatpadsign, also known as the sail sign, is a potential finding on elbow radiography which suggests a fracture of one or more bones at the elbow...
Intraarticular fatpads. These are also covered by a layer of synovial cells. A fatpadsign is an elevation of the anterior and posterior fatpads of the elbow...
drop sign, anterior humeral line, coronoid line, fish-tail sign, and fatpadsign/sail sign (anterior and posterior). Tear drop sign - Tear drop sign is...
Computed tomography scan (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A fatpadsign may be present on diagnostic imaging and may indicate a radial head fracture...
presence of a joint effusion can be inferenced by the presence of the fatpadsign, a structure that is normally physiologically present, but pathologic...
Heel pad syndrome is a pain that occurs in the center of the heel. It is typically due to atrophy of the fatpad which makes up the heel. Risk factors...
Because intra-articular fractures cause a joint effusion, the dorsal fatpadsign is a reliable parameter for diagnosis of elbow fractures. If a joint...
injuries are looked at by the radiologist for signs of hidden trauma (for example, the famous "fatpad" sign on a fractured elbow). NOTE: The simplified...
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The Fat Leonard scandal is an ongoing investigation and prosecution of corruption within the United States Navy during the 2000s and 2010s. It has involved...
discs or menisci - the fibrocartilage pads between opposing surfaces in a joint Articular fatpads - adipose tissue pads that protect the articular cartilage...
artery disease (PAD) is a vascular disorder that causes abnormal narrowing of arteries other than those that supply the heart or brain. PAD can happen in...
by obesity and weight gain as the phallus is covered by the suprapubic fatpad. Typically a physical examination may be used to diagnose a person with...
medical condition, sometimes considered a disease, in which excess body fat has accumulated to such an extent that it can potentially have negative effects...
product of a woman's bone structure along with the distribution of muscle and fat on the body. Female figures are typically narrower at the waist than at the...
including inflamed hemorrhoids (which are dilated vessels in the perianal fatpads), rectal varices, proctitis (of various causes), stercoral ulcers and infections...
infiltration of fat or other tissue), or symmetrical subcutaneous (under the skin) deposits of fat or other tissue. The mechanism resulting in this sign may stay...
dark, padded, or insulated clothing; hats; and/or helmets (for example, football pads, turnout gear, etc.) Having a higher percentage of body fat Dehydration...
man." As the television audience watches, Zalinsky signs Tommy's purchase order for 500,000 brake pads. Although Zalinsky nullifies the purchase order as...
neck between the shoulder blades is known as a dorsocervical fatpad or buffalo hump. Fat deposited in the parotid region is known as hamster cheeks. The...
and soft, padded skin.[citation needed] In the nude paintings of the 17th century, such as those by Rubens, the naked women appear quite fat. Upon closer...
running. Pain during prolonged sitting is sometimes termed the "movie sign" or "theatre sign" because individuals might experience pain while sitting to watch...
urinalysis. A standard urine test strip may comprise up to 10 different chemical pads or reagents which react (change color) when immersed in, and then removed...
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