Orthopedic pitfalls in the ED: radiographically occult hip fracture.
Acute hip fracture is among the most commonly encountered orthopedic injuries seen by the emergency physician. The majority of these fractures can be readily diagnosed on the basis of clinical findings and plain radiographs. When initial films are negative or equivocal, but a high clinical suspicion exists for a hip fracture, additional diagnostic studies need to be performed because significant morbidity can result from ambulation on an unrecognized fracture. The emergency physician needs to remain vigilant for this potential orthopedic pitfall. This review article examines the clinical presentation, diagnostic techniques, and management options applicable to the emergency practitioner.
Perron
Andrew D
AD
Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. adp9b@virginia.edu
Miller
Mark D
MD
Brady
William J
WJ
D000368:Aged; D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004630:Emergencies; D005260:Female; D005596:Fractures, Closed / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology