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Contents
  • The Role of X-Rays
  • Advanced Imaging Techniques
  • The Use of Ultrasound

How Do Doctors Detect Carpal Fractures?

How Do Doctors Detect Carpal Fractures?

The Diagnostic Journey

Identifying carpal fractures involves a series of tests and imaging techniques. Learn how doctors diagnose these tricky injuries.
Contents
  • The Role of X-Rays
  • Advanced Imaging Techniques
  • The Use of Ultrasound

The Role of X-Rays

X-rays are the first step in diagnosing carpal fractures. While helpful, they often miss many fractures, necessitating further testing if symptoms persist.

Advanced Imaging Techniques

When X-rays are inconclusive, doctors turn to CT scans or MRIs, which provide detailed images of the bones and any potential fractures.
A carpal fracture is a break in one or more of the eight small bones that make up the wrist. Diagnosing these fractures can involve X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs.

The Use of Ultrasound

Ultrasound can be a valuable tool in skilled hands, offering a non-invasive way to detect fractures and assess soft tissue injuries.

FAQs

Are X-rays reliable for detecting fractures?

X-rays can miss many carpal fractures.

What if an X-ray is inconclusive?

Doctors use CT or MRI for more detailed images.

Can ultrasound be used for wrist injuries?

Yes, it's useful in skilled hands for detecting fractures.

Key Insights

Advanced imaging is often necessary for accurate fracture detection.
Unsure about your wrist diagnosis? Discuss imaging options with Doctronic, the AI doctor!
Additional References
  1. Welling RD, Jacobson JA, Jamadar DA, et al. MDCT and radiography of wrist fractures: radiographic sensitivity and fracture patterns. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2008; 190:10.
  2. Murthy NS, Ringler MD. MR Imaging of Carpal Fractures. Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am 2015; 23:405.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.