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A 53-year-old female asked:

I sprained my ankle 6 weeks ago. x-rays taken, no fractures. the outside is swollen by bone, how can i tell if its fluid or swelling for sure?

3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Gerald Mandellanswered

Nuclear Medicine 54 years experience

Ultrasound: Musculoskeletal ultrasound is being used more often for detecting soft tissue abnormalities such as tendon tears, joint effusions, and cellulitis. Ultrasound would show fluid in tendon sheaths and joint vs subcutaneous soft tissue swelling. Radiographs show better abnormalities affecting bones such as fracture, tumor, and bone infection.

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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Kenny Chuu

Dr. Kenny Chuu agrees1 doctor agrees

Dr. Ahmad M Hadiedanswered

Orthopedic Surgery 51 years experience

MRI: If you want to know it is free fluids or swelling of the tissue, MRI is the best test for that.

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4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Payam Rafatanswered

Podiatry 24 years experience

Swelling is fluid: The swelling results form the accumulation of fluid in the area. An MRI can show soft tissue swelling and soft tissue injuries.

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4.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

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Last updated Mar 25, 2022

Found in:

Swelling›Fracture

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