A 29-year-old member asked:
how accurate are x-rays in detecting hairline fractures?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Ahmad M Hadied answered
Orthopedic Surgery 49 years experience
It depend on : The time when x-ray are done, if it done after a week from the fracture 70% to 80%.
Also depend on the reader if he have the experience, but if you have suspension you could always splint and follow or could cat scan for that area.
5460 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Edward Hellman answered
Orthopedic Surgery 29 years experience
Varies: It varies a little based upon the area of the bone involved. But your implication is correct, there are times that you can have such a small fracture that it does not always show up on X-ray. Both MRI and ct scan are more sensitive in picking up a fracture than X-ray.
679 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Last updated May 22, 2017
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