Radiology of fracture complications

The overall annual bone fracture rate in England has been estimated at 3.6% of the population. Trauma accounts for the majority of these fractures with the remainder being considered as pathological fractures. Complications of fracture healing cause a significant degree of morbidity and increasingly various imaging modalities are being utilised in order to aid diagnosis and management of these complications. Knowledge of the available and appropriate radiology is essential in ensuring accurate assessment of both the fracture, and any associated complications. In the initial assessment of a fracture, plain film radiography will almost certainly be the primary method of imaging. In the majority of cases, this modality alone may provide sufficient information regarding fracture type, position and healing. However, CT, MRI, ultrasound and bone scintigraphy all have a role in the assessment and ongoing management of complications, and often play an invaluable role in guiding treatment both in the acute and chronic setting.