EVALUATION OF FRACTURES OF THE FEMORAL-HEAD USING THE CT-DIRECTED PELVIC OBLIQUE RADIOGRAPH

Ten patients with femoral head fractures were evaluated with conventio nal hip radiographs, computed axial tomography (CT), and pelvic obliqu e radiographs. The CT scan was used to determine the plane of the frac ture within the femoral head. The patient was then positioned with the fracture line parallel to the radiographic beam, resulting in a pelvi c oblique radiograph. Intraoperative findings were correlated with the preoperative diagnostic studies. The CT-directed pelvic oblique radio graph was found to be the most accurate determinant of the extent of f racture displacement and joint congruency, thereby facilitating the ch oice of appropriate fracture treatment. Most importantly, similar radi ographs, reproducible from one examination to the next, could readily be obtained after operation, providing excellent information concernin g the adequacy and maintenance of fracture reduction and the progressi on of fracture healing.