Occult acetabular fractures in elderly patients: a report of three cases.
Three elderly patients with acetabular fractures not evident on the initial plain radiographs are presented. All had a fall and were unable to bear weight. Cross-sectional imaging and repeated plain radiography confirmed fractures of the acetabulum. Occult acetabular fractures may occur in elderly patients after a fall and present with persistent discomfort and difficulty walking. When there is reason to suspect such a fracture, further diagnostic studies, including a Judet view radiograph, bone scan, computed tomographic scan or magnetic resonance image should be performed.
Kakar
R
R
Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley, Scotland, United Kingdom. drkakar123@hotmail.com
Sharma
H
H
Allcock
P
P
Sharma
P
P
D000077:Acetabulum / Q000293:injuries*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed