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Ischiopubic insufficiency fractures: MRI appearances
1Department of Radiology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.
Objective:
To evaluate the MRI appearances in insufficiency fractures.
Design:
A retrospective analysis of spin echo MR images with gadolinium-enhancement was undertaken with the emphasis on the signal change and the shape of the fracture gap and the adjacent bone marrow.
Patients:
Five elderly women who had ischiopubic insufficiency fractures (pubis, 4; ischium 1) underwent MRI to exclude the possibility of pathologic fractures.
Results And Conclusions:
In no case was contrast enhancement noted at the fracture gap or the adjacent bone marrow, but a cleft-life, elongated bright signal area suggesting "fluid collection" was noted within the fracture gap. Absence of contrast enhancement and "fluid collection" at the fracture gap might suggest non-union of a fracture, which is additional information provided only by MRI.