occult hip fractures present to the emergency room with a history of trauma,a painful hip and normal X-ray. these patients usually undergo other imaging modalities such as CT scans, MRI, or bone scans.

In this study we check the sensitivity and specificity of a directed ultrasound examination of the hip joint in diagnosing or excluding a hip fracture. We also compare the results of ultrasound examination by the orthopedic surgeon in the emergency room versus the consultant radiologist.

The patients undergo bone scans or CT to make the diagnosis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients over age of 50 with clinical suspicion of a hip fracture

Exclusion Criteria:

• previous fracture or surgical intervention in the hip
• pregnancy
• flexion contracture of hip