The costal hook: an indicator of occult flail segment in chest trauma.
The presence of a hook-like configuration at the site of rib fracture reflects significant rotational displacement. Such displacement can occur only as the result of a further fracture at another site within the same rib and is therefore indicative of a flail segment injury even if a second fracture site is not clearly identified. This appearance is illustrated and termed the 'costal hook' sign.
Jackson
A
A
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Manchester Royal Infirmary, U.K.
Fields
J M
JM
Wong-You-Chong
J J
JJ
D000058:Accidental Falls; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005409:Flail Chest / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography; D012253:Rib Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating