Differentials
Acetabular fracture
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
Leg is rarely shortened or externally rotated.
INVESTIGATIONS
Plain x-ray demonstrates acetabular fracture.
Pubic rami fracture
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
Leg is rarely shortened or externally rotated.
INVESTIGATIONS
Plain x-ray demonstrates pubic rami fractures.
If x-ray is negative, MRI will demonstrate pubic rami fractures.
Femoral shaft or subtrochanteric femur fracture
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
Often thigh is deformed.
INVESTIGATIONS
Plain x-ray demonstrates femoral shaft or subtrochanteric fracture.
Femoral head fracture
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
Often associated with hip dislocation.
INVESTIGATIONS
Plain x-ray and pelvic CT demonstrates femoral head fracture.
Septic hip
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
Fever and chills.
INVESTIGATIONS
Hip aspiration may reveal frank pus or a turbid fluid suggestive of infection.
Laboratory isolation of infecting organisms in the fluid is confirmatory.
Elevated WBC count.
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