An easy method for the diagnosis of acetabular fractures

An accurate diagnosis of acetabular fractures requires both an anteroposterior radiograph, and two oblique views which are usually obtained by rolling the patient 45 degrees first toward one side and then toward the other. To avoid the discomfort this can cause the patient, we have devised a method that uses standard x-ray equipment but keeps the patient resting supine on the table. The desired oblique views are obtained by tilting the x-ray tube 30 degrees from a medial-to-lateral direction and from a lateral-to-medial direction.