injuries poisoning
Hip Fractures
Diagnosis of Hip Fractures
Plain x-rays Rarely MRI or CT Diagnosis of a suspected hip fracture begins with an anteroposterior pelvis x-ray and a cross-table lateral view. If a fracture is identified, x-rays of the entire femur should be done. Subtle evidence of fracture (eg, as when fractures are minimally displaced or impacted) can include irregularities in femoral neck trabecular density or bone cortex. However, x-rays are occasionally normal, particularly in patients with subcapital fractures or severe osteoporosis. If a fracture is not seen on x-rays but is still suspected clinically, MRI is done because it has almost 100% sensitivity and specificity for occult fractures. CT is a less sensitive alternative. If x-rays do not show a hip fracture but hip fracture is suspected clinically, do MRI. 