Greater trochanter fractures: MR assessment and its influence on patient management

Eight patients with nondisplaced greater trochanteric (GT) fractures diagnosed by conventional radiographs were evaluated with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. MR imaging demonstrated unsuspected intertrochanteric (IT) extension in each of the eight patients. This resulted in unanticipated surgical intervention in six of eight patients. Nondisplaced GT fractures are often more extensive and complex than they appear on conventional radiographs. MR imaging is useful in determining the extent and morphology of these fractures, information valuable for orthopedic management, and should be considered for definitive assessment in these patients.