Reporting Fractures - How to do it

Question 1

How would you describe a radiograph of a fracture?

Answer 1

1. Type of radiograph - AP, PA, Lateral, Mortis etc
2. Location of centred picture - R/L humerus, hip, femur etc.
3. Name and age of patient
4. Where radiograph was taken
5. Time and date of radiograph
6. Deformity seen

Question 2

When describing the deformity seen, what do you want to describe?

Answer 2

• Site and articular involvement
• Shape
• Comminution
• Deformity
• Associated injuries

Question 3

What is an avulsion?

Answer 3

An injury in which a body structure is forcibly detached from its normal point of insertion by either trauma or surgery