Clinics in Diagnostic Imaging (94)

CEC Lee, IYY Tsou
Correspondence: Dr Christabel E C Lee, Christabel_Lee@ttsh.com.sg

ABSTRACT
An 84-year-old woman, who sustained a fall in the nursing home, complained of right hip pain and inability to bear weight. Radiographs showed no fracture or cortical break. MR imaging showed an undisplaced subcapital fracture of the right femoral neck for which a hemiarthroplasty was performed. The patient was then discharged 10 days post-operation. Effectiveness of MR imaging for assessing occult hip fracture, a more superior imaging modality as compared to radiographs, is discussed. Early diagnosis can also expedite appropriate treatment and promote recovery, which can reduce the cost of prolonged or inpatient care. The role of MR imaging in detection of other causes of pain in the hip region is also discussed, drawing on examples in our local experience.

Keywords: hip fracture, hip pain, occult fracture, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging
Singapore Med J 2004; 45(2): 95-99