Friday 23 April 2010

Accuracy of X-Rays for Detecting Hip and Pelvis Fractures : Both false-positives and false-negatives are not uncommon.

X-ray imaging of the hip and pelvis can miss acute fractures. In a retrospective study to determine the accuracy of radiography, Duke University researchers identified 92 consecutive patients (mean age, 71) who received hip or pelvis x-rays in the emergency department and then underwent hip or pelvis magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 1 day. Falls and motor vehicle trauma were the usual indications for radiography. Key findings were as follows: