Which projection is commonly obtained for suspected hip fracture in addition to AP pelvis?

• A. AP pelvis
• B. Frog-leg pelvis
• C. Cross-table (lateral) hip view
• D. Lateral hip view

Answer: (C)

When a hip fracture is suspected, a view that shows the proximal femur without overlap from the pelvis is essential. The cross-table lateral hip view provides a true lateral image of the proximal femur with the patient remaining supine and the beam directed horizontally. This position clearly outlines the femoral neck and intertrochanteric region and reveals fracture lines and the direction of any displacement that may be hidden on the AP pelvis due to overlapping anatomy. It’s quick, minimizes movement and risk of aggravating injury, and can often reveal occult fractures that AP pelvis misses. The frog-leg pelvis can be uncomfortable and may obscure fracture details in acute trauma, and a lateral hip view requires rolling the patient onto a side, which isn’t always feasible in suspected fracture cases. Hence, the cross-table lateral hip view is the most appropriate additional projection.