How Are Stress Fractures Diagnosed?

Posted on Mon, 27 Mar 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 27 Mar 2017 Answered on

Wed, 19 Apr 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : What test should be performed to ascertain if there is a stress fracture? Cat Scan? X-Ray? or MRI?

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Answered by Dr. Chander Mohan Singh (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
MRI scan

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have read your query.

Although first imaging modality is xray, but I usually advise my patients to have MRI as it can visualize stress fractures within the first week of injury, and can visualize lower-grade stress injuries (stress reactions) before an x-ray shows changes.

So if you want to get early diagnosis MRI is best for you as it can also tells about surrounding soft tissues along with stress fracture, because usually on other modalities like ct scan, xray etc soft tissues injuries are aften missed and proper treatment can't be advised.

I hope you got the point.

Thanks,

Dr.CHANDER XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad