The capitellum is the first epiphyseal center of the elbow to ossify.
Its normal position is easily subject to misinterpretation as a separation
fracture because: (1) the ossification center for the capitellum is
situated anteriorly, (2) it is often tilted downward during development,
and (3) its epiphysis tends to be wider posteriorly than anteriorly. The
capitellum frequently fuses with the trochlea and lateral epicondyle before
uniting with the humerus. We reviewed the normal anatomical configuration
of the elbow. Some useful methods for evaluating the position of the
normally situated and minimally displaced capitellum and distal end of the
humerus are presented.