Plain Radiography in the Elderly

The elderly have some indications for plain film radiography that are specifically determined by their age group. Imaging of the pelvis is most commonly prompted by pain and/or trauma. In addition to identification of fractures, emergency physicians should look for neoplastic lesions and degenerative changes of the hip joints or sacroiliac joints. Rheumatologic conditions are increasingly common with age. Plain radiology in the evaluation of non bony abdominal pathology has the same limitations in the elderly as it does for other adults, with the consequence that CT is often the imaging modality of choice. Most of the limitations of plain radiography in the elderly are the same as those for adults. Radiographs are limited by the patient's ability to cooperate with the exam. This chapter presents clinical images depicting radiographic findings and pathology that clinicians should be familiar with in the elderly patient.