Soft-tissue window to enhance visualization of entrapped osteocartilaginous fragments in the hip joint

The thin-section computed tomographic (CT) scans of 11 patients with entrapped intra-articular fragments secondary to dislocation or fracture dislocation of the hip are studied. The effects of CT bone and soft-tissue contrast manipulation on the visibility of the intra-articular fragments are demonstrated in both patients and in vitro. When the mechanism of injury and clinical features raise the possibility of entrapped fragments, as in hip dislocation and fracture dislocation, special magnification and image-enhancement techniques are available for re-examining the acetabulum, especially when raw CT data are saved. Thus, index of suspicion and appropriate CT planning can ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment of entrapped intraarticular fragments in the hip joint.