What causes a fracture
You can develop a fracture when your bone is impacted with greater pressure or force than it can support. This force usually occurs suddenly or is very intense. The strength of the force determines the severity of the fracture.
- Falls
- Direct strikes to your body
- Injuries from sports
How is a fracture diagnosed
If you suspect you have a fracture, get medical attention immediately. Your doctor will likely ask you about your symptoms and perform a visual examination of the injured area. They may ask you to move the area in certain ways to check for pain or other signs of injury.
If they think you may have a fracture, your doctor will likely order X-rays. They can create images of your bone and reveal breaks or other signs of damage. X-rays also help determine fracture type and location.
In some instances, your doctor may also order magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography scans (CT or CAT scan) to examine your bones or surrounding tissues.
