Evaluation of isolated fractures of the greater trochanter with magnetic resonance imaging

The diagnosis of an isolated fracture of the greater trochanter can be done on routine radiographs, but this may not be the whole story. We evaluated fractures of the greater trochanter of the femur by magnetic resonance imag ing (MRI). MR images were obtained within 5 days of the time of clinical pr esentation. Coronal images were performed on T1- and T2-weighted spin-echo images. Eight elderly patients who were diagnosed as having a greater,troch anter fracture on standard radiographs underwent MRI. Three were men aged 6 2-76 (mean 63.4) years, and five were women aged 80-101 (mean 88.6) years. MRI showed that in seven of the eight cases, the fracture line was observed leading from the greater trochanter towards other trochanter regions. In o nly one case was the fracture limited to the greater trochanter and corresp onded to the:line observed on the standard radiographs. We suggest that in cases of greater trochanter fracture with somewhat Severe symptoms, MRI sho uld be performed in order to discover,the appropriate diagnosis and treatme nt.