Diagnosis of fractures
Complete list of fracture information
Diagnosis begins immediately with an individual's own observation of symptoms. A
thorough medical history and physical exam by a physician often reveals the presence of a
fracture. An x ray of the injured area is the most common test used to determine the
presence of a bone fracture. Any x ray series performed involves at least two views of the
area to confirm the presence of the fracture because not all fractures are apparent on a
single x ray. Some fractures are often difficult to see and may require several views at
different angles to see clear fracture lines. In some cases, CT, MRI or other imaging
tests are required to demonstrate fracture. Sometimes, especially with children, the
initial x ray may not show any fractures but repeat seven to 14 days later may show
changes in the bone(s) of the affected area. If a fracture is open and occurs in
conjunction with soft tissue injury, further laboratory studies are often conducted to
determine if blood loss has occurred.
In the event of exercise-related stress fractures (micro-fractures due to excessive
stress), a tuning fork can provide a simple, inexpensive test. The tuning fork is a metal
instrument with a stem and two prongs that vibrate when struck. If an individual has
increased pain when the tuning fork is placed on a bone, such as the tibia or shinbone,
the likelihood of a stress fracture is high. Bone scans also are helpful in detecting
stress fractures. In this diagnostic procedure, a radioactive tracer is injected into the
bloodstream and images are taken of specific areas or the entire skeleton by CT or MRI. |
