Low-Energy Occult Femoral and Pelvic Fractures in the Elderly

Abstract

Proximal femoral fractures and pelvic fractures are common in elderly patients with a dramatic increase expected in the next decades due to population aging. Early detection of such fractures is crucial for optimal patient management and cost containment, especially in proximal femoral fractures. Most fractures are detected on conventional radiographs, but some fractures are occult (i.e. not radiographically detectable) [1]. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard second-line imaging modality to detect occult post-traumatic injuries with acquisition protocols including fat-sensitive and/or fluid-sensitive images [2]. Computed tomography (CT) is a valuable second-line imaging modality to perform rapid and efficient patient’s triage in the emergency department (Figure 1) [3].