A 33-year-old member asked:
how likely is it that a hairline fracture is missed on x-rays?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Bernard Bach Jr answered
Orthopedic Surgery 42 years experience
It could happen.: Sometimes xrays aren't sensitive enough to pickup subtle fractures. Your doctor may consider an MRI or ct scan, for a more sensitive study, that can pick up a hairline fracture.
4640 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Eugene, OR
A 20-year-old female asked:
If there is a suspected hairline fracture to the proximal end of the ulna but does not come up on X-rays what will a doctor do?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Douglas Bourgon answered
Radiology 22 years experience
Treat and repeat. : Frequently a non-displaced fracture is questioned on x-rays. Typically the site, elbow in your case, is treated as if the fracture is there and then we re-X-ray the spot after 7-10 days to look for signs of healing.
1218 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Last updated Aug 31, 2016
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