Synopsis The term occult describes a clinical fracture without clear radiographic evidence. The use of a stethoscope in diagnosing fractures was first described by Henry Bowditch in his 1846. Thereafter, Bache used a tuning fork test in diagnosing femoral neck fractures. By placing a stethoscope over the pubic symphysis, a characteristic sound could be heard.
The patellar pubic percussion test (PPPT) is based on this phenomenon. Thus, a recent clinical study demonstrates the prognostic value of PPPT, a simple bedside tool for prediction of occult hip fracture. This week's 'MED FACT' discusses a clinical trial from International Orthopaedics, “ The patellar pubic percussion test: a simple bedside tool for suspected occult hip…
