Abstract
Eight occult fractures of the proximal femur were experienced over the past 30 months. All cases were female. Apparent fracture was not observed on plain X-ray film but was revealed by MR imaging. The incidence of occult fracture of the proximal femur was 5% out of all proximal femoral fractures at our hospital. The mean age at the time of injury was 77.0 years. (33 to 93 years). The mean follow-up period was 3.7 months. (1 to 14 months).
Three cases underwent internal fixation, since they were recognized to be complete fracture by MR imaging. The CHS system was used for two cases and CCHS for one case. Since most of the occult fractures were revealed to be incompletely damaged, most were treated conservatively. However, since there were a few cases of occult fractures which were completely damaged as our MR imaging study showed, great case must be taken to investigate whether the occult fracture is incomplete or complete to diminish further damage of the fracture site.
