Open AccessMind the gap! The Lucent Line Sign: A Pathognomonic Radiographic Finding in Periprosthetic Hip Fractures Around Cemented Polished Tapered Femoral Stems
Author(s) -
J Maggs,
Eric Swanton,
M Hubble,
Matthew Wilson
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of orthopaedic case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2321-3817
pISSN - 2250-0685
DOI - 10.13107/jocr.2021.v11.i04.2140
Subject(s) - medicine , periprosthetic , radiography , prosthesis , femoral shaft , surgery , orthodontics , femur , radiology , arthroplasty
Diagnosing minimally displaced femoral PPFs using plain-film radiographs can be challenging. As a result, fractures can be missed.Case Report: We present four cases of minimally displaced PPFs around cemented polished tapered stems. In each case, radiographs demonstrate no clear cortical breach, but the presence of a fracture is highlighted by a pathognomic lucent line between the cement mantle and the prosthesis: The Lucent Line Sign.Conclusion: Paying attention to the Lucent Line Sign can be pivotal in the diagnosis of minimally displaced PPFs around cemented polished tapered stems.Keywords: Periprosthetic fracture, hip fracture, femoral fracture, taper-slip stem, polished-tapered stem, radiographs.