X-rays

For diagnostic purposes the usual x-rays obtained for a patient with a hip injury are:

AP pelvis

Radiopaedia

This AP pelvis x-ray shows both hips for comparison and will also show other fractures (e.g. pubic rami) that may also occur in a fall.

This image is an x-ray of lateral of the hip. This is essential as not all fractures will show on an AP x-ray.

The neck of the femur will be at right angles to an AP x-ray when the hip is in about 10o of internal rotation. If the hip is externally rotated, the neck of the femur may appear foreshortened and this may make fractures less easy to see. If there is doubt on these x-rays as to the presence of a fracture, an AP x-ray centred on the hip may be of value.