How to Diagnose Bone Fractures

Bones provide movement and give you the ability to survive in a world of weight and gravity. It is important to maintain healthy bones in preventing osteoporosis, which can lead to fractures.

Instructions

1. Look for any limbs or joints that appear to be out of place. Pierced skin over the fracture will expose the bone. The broken bone pieces can be aligned or unaligned.

2. Notice any swelling, bruising or bleeding. These are some of the more basic signs of fractures, accompanied by other symptoms.

3. Watch for numbness and tingling in or around the injured area.

4. Test your mobility to determine if it's limited or if you are unable to move a limb at all.

5. Get to a doctor early for proper care. This will prevent complications later and return you to a healthy state quickly.

6. Confirm your diagnosis with an X-ray, MRI or bone scan. An X-ray typically will appear normal for the first 2 or 3 weeks. After this period, the X-ray will show some bone thickening and possibly a fracture line. An MRI or bone scan can show signs of a stress fracture within 2 to 3 days of the injury.

Tips & Warnings

• If you suspect a fracture, do not wait; get professional help immediately.