Imaging Fractures

CHAPTER 39

Imaging Fractures

• Radiography is the imaging study of choice for pediatric fractures and should be performed first and before any advanced imaging study.

• For long bone injuries, obtain at least 2 views taken at 90 degrees to each other and include the joint above and below the site of pain to evaluate for any associated fractures or dislocations (Table 39-1).

• Include clinical information on the requisition, such as patient age, location of pain, and mechanism of injury to assist the radiologist in interpretation.

• Variants of normal anatomy are common. Keats and Anderson’s Atlas of Normal Roentgen Variants That May Simulate Disease can help differentiate an injury from one of these variants.

Table 39-1. Common Radiographic Series to Evaluate Fractures

Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue