CT evaluation of hip trauma

Selection of treatment for fracture dislocations about the hip is based on the stability of the joint space, congruity of fracture fragments, the presence or absence of intraarticular fragments, and the overall condition of the patient. However, the condition of the acetabulum, femoral head, and joint space is frequently difficult to evaluate on conventional radiographs of the pelvis. To provide the orthopedist with more information on which to base treatment, 13 patients had computed tomography (CT) after accidents resulting in trauma to the hip and pelvis. The CT scan was believed to have significantly influenced the treatment in four of the patients and provided useful information in several others. CT was found to be helpful especially for evaluating presence or absence of intraarticular osseous loose fragments after reduction of the dislocated hip for evaluating congruity of the joint space after fractures of the femoral head and acetabulum. CT also provided useful information concerning the adjacent soft tissues and associated pelvic fractures.