Diagnosis of occult fractures and dislocations.
The principles to be followed in the identification of occult injuries include: a good history and physical examination to arouse a high index of suspicion; high quality radiographs; radiographs of the whole bone and associated joints above and below, particularly in the lower cervical spine and hip; special views to delineate fractures, particularly oblique films, tangenital and axial views and stress films. Tomograms may also be helpful; follow-up and re-check films, especially with fractures and epiphyseal injuries. With early identification of fractures that are commonly missed, these injuries eventually cease to be occult and appropriate management can be instituted.
D002111:Calcaneus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries; D002348:Carpal Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008487:Medical History Taking; D008684:Metatarsus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010808:Physical Examination; D013131:Spine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014056:Tomography, X-Ray