fat pad on x-ray

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