How likely is it that a hairline fracture is missed on x-rays?

Question

How likely is it to miss a hand fracture on an x-ray? Should you wait and get another x-ray?

Answer 1

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.

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Answer 2

Yes: Certain fractures around the elbow, wrist, and hand can be missed on high quality x-rays. If you have persistent pain following an injury, it is important to consult your physician and to see if additional diagnostic studies (e.g. Repeat x-rays, cat scans, or MRI scans) might be helpful.

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Answer 3

Yes: This situation is very common in children. If there is a history of trauma and pain over the bone or the growth plate then they are typically treated with a cast or splint for three weeks.

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Answer 4

Sure: Stress fractures may not show up on the first set of x-rays one gets.....

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Answer 5

Yes: Yes. Fractures can be undetected for a few reasons. Stress fractures, poor images or bone bruises (trabecular fractures) can lead to negative x-rays.

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Answer 6

Occult Fractures: Any time a fracture is suspected based on signs, symptoms, mechanism of injury, and/ or any other clinical findings, but it does not show on an x-ray you should follow-up with a second x-ray in a week or two to check for an occult fracture. Cts and mris are also used sometimes, but the second x-ray can be useful at seeing new bone formation even if a fracture was not noted on the original one.

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Answer 7

Yes: Yes, fractures can vary in severity as well as xray technology. Some xray machines may not pick up subtle changes in the trabeculae or cortical bone disruption. If you are worried about a fracture that may have been undetected, please seek a consultation. Good luck, hope this helps!

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Answer 8

Yes: Most common r carpal navicular & femoral neck fractures in the elderly. Often the original images r negative, but images about 2 weeks later they may b positive. If there is still a question, a ct is great for showing bone details, also a bone scan is very helpful in getting the diagnosis.

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How likely is it that a hairline fracture is missed on x-rays?

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