Is it true that some fractures do not show up on x-rays and MRIs are required to see them?
by 
Anonymous
ANSWERS: 2
-
I think you may be talking about what they call 'hairline fractures' - they're very small and almost undetectable. I know someone who just franctured his foot that way. He didn't even have to get a cast but was a on a boot for a while
-
Yes. Stress fractures often do not show up on x-ray. These usually happen when the bone is being subjected to repetitive force at a weak spot. (In the feet, they used to be called "march fractures," because they were frequently seen in young military recruits who were in training.) Often, stress fractures are so small when they first appear that they won't show up on x-ray. MRIs can see them, and bone scans can also give you an indication that something's going on. If you ignore a stress fracture long enough, it will turn into a larger fracture that can definitely show up on x-ray. I speak from personal experience on this one.
RELATED QUESTIONS
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC