Limited magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of occult hip fractures.

The majority of fractures of the hip are readily diagnosed on the basis of the clinical findings and plain radiographs. When initial X-rays are negative or equivocal and a high clinical suspicion exists for an occult hip fracture, additional diagnostic studies need to be performed. Use of limited magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of occult hip fracture upon initial presentation to the emergency department is reported.