Occult Intertrochanteric Femur Fracture in a Recreational Cyclist

A 46-year-old man presented to a physical therapist working with expanded clinical privileges at a hospital emergency department after falling off his bicycle onto his left hip. Initial radiographs were interpreted as noncontributory by the radiologist. After 4 days without improvement, the patient...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:JOSPT cases (Online) 2022-08, Vol.2 (3), p.171-172
Main Authors: Robbins, David P., Pickens, Bryan B.
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:A 46-year-old man presented to a physical therapist working with expanded clinical privileges at a hospital emergency department after falling off his bicycle onto his left hip. Initial radiographs were interpreted as noncontributory by the radiologist. After 4 days without improvement, the patient returned to the clinic and was placed on protected weight bearing. Magnetic resonance imaging was ordered and an incomplete intertrochanteric fracture of the left femur was identified. The patient was referred to an orthopaedic surgeon for surgical stabilization. This case highlights the importance of short-term follow-up after noncontributory radiographs when impairments following acute injury have not improved. JOSPT Cases 2022;2(3):171–172. doi:10.2519/josptcases.2022.10725
ISSN:2767-2921
2767-2921
DOI:10.2519/josptcases.2022.10725