WHAT IS THE FAT PAD?
–might be only subtle sign of a fracture on x-ray
–broken bones leak fat & blood, which also moves existing soft tissue
COOL TRICK:
–courtesy of EM News article (check out the pic on their website)
–if you’re aspirating a joint (e.g. knee effusion), and you aspirate blood, take a look under a light, look for the sheen of fat on top (suggests fracture)
–might want to get a CT or MRI next, if those x-rays were negative
Reference(s): EM News article with picture, x-ray, diagram, oil&water
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