Minor Trauma - Hip imaging

Question 1

What is the imaging pathway for #hip fracture ?

Answer 1

Standard AP hip and HBL xray
CT pelvis reconstructions to visualise fracture in detail

Question 2

What is the procedure for a HBL hip xray ?

Answer 2

patient lies supine on table

unaffected led is raised at 90 degree

vertical bucky is by affected side against patients midline at 45 degree

detector is parallel to the light beam

center at the perineal crease at the midline of the femur

Question 3

What challenges can be faced during imaging ?

Answer 3

Condition of patient
positioning
Radiation protection
Time

Question 4

How can the condition of the patient be a challenge during imaging ?

Answer 4

their age , cognitive function and emotional state after trauma

Question 5

How can positioning of the patient be a challenge during imaging ?

Answer 5

patient may have limited ROM so we may need to use adaptive techniques , and if both hips are fractured we can’t move the pt

Question 6

How can radiation protection of the patient be a challenge during imaging ?

Answer 6

its high exposure scans but repeats may be acquired for a HBL increasing the dose

Question 7

How can time be a challenge during imaging ?

Answer 7

There is a need for speed for ?# NOF fractures as they have A&E prioritisation

Question 8

What are the contributing factors to disease/injury of the hip ?

Answer 8

old age results in more fraile bones

post menopausal women are at higher risk of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis which is condition that makes bones weaker and more fragile

Dimentia patients are less table on their feet and prone to falls