Could i have a fracture that was undetected on an x-ray?

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

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.

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.

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!

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.