FRACTURES DIAGNOSIS |
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Diagnosis begins immediately with the individual's own observation
of symptoms. A thorough medical history and physical exam completed
by a physician often provides enough information to determine if
further testing is necessary. An x ray of the injured area is the
most common test used to determine the presence of a bone fracture
and associated displacement. However, it is important to note that
not all fractures are apparent on an initial x ray. Rib fractures
are often difficult to diagnose and may require several views at
different angles to see the fracture lines. If the fracture is open
and occurs in conjunction with soft tissue injury, further
laboratory studies are often done to determine blood loss.
In the event of exercise-related stress fractures (micro-fractures
due to excessive stress), a tuning fork can provide a simple,
inexpensive test. The tuning fork is a metal instrument with a stem
and two prongs that vibrate when struck. If a patient has increased
pain when the tuning fork is placed on the bone, such as the lower
leg bone or shinbone, the likelihood of a stress fracture is high.
Bone scans also are helpful in detecting stress fractures. In this
diagnostic procedure, a radioactive tracer is injected and images
are taken of specific areas or the entire skeleton. |
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| FRACTURES RELATED ITEMS |
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