Are X-rays (Radiology) 100% accurate in detecting hairline fractures?

I recently suffered a crush injury. Im in ALOT of pain. I have tenderness & bruising on my ankle/foot but my Doctor said "No obvious fractures". He also said, it is possible that a hairline fracture may not have been seen on the Xray. My foot was squashed between a pallet & a forklift, almost causing me to fall back. I am 100% certain i heard a crack. I felt instant pain & a burning sensation & couldnt walk properly & still cant, after 48hrs of the injury. How can i find out for sure if its fractured &, what is the treatment needed?

some fractures take a follow up xray about 3wks out to show fracture activity. you may have another condition such as peroneal tendon rupture or talar dome fracture. why don't you check out a very imformative website, myfootshop.com for some articles regarding foot conditions and care. there is also a discussion forum with a doctor. use the source as a direct link to the sites.

Reading x-rays is what is not accurate sometimes. 48 hrs. isn't long enough to be cured of that kind of injury anyway. It takes way longer than that. If you sincerely doubt your accurately diagnosed, get another opinion,

Yes for the most part they are, but I have heard of instances where they don't pick them up. Most likely the pop you heard was cartilage in your ankle rubbing hard on your fibular notch or something near the ankle bone. I've had a hairline fracture before and it hurt just as bad as spraining my ankle, had the same bruising, and swelling and couldn't walk for about 2 weeks. Secondly even if you have a hairline fracture theres nothing you can do because it isn't a complete fracture, all they would do is ace bandage it, because casting it wouldn't do anything but cost you money. Besides this is only 2 days after the injury, and naturally its still going to hurt and you're going to have trouble walking. Either way sprained or small fracture, nothing can be done but resting and keeping it elevated! Good luck!

hairline fractures are hard to determine on x-rays. one of the sneaky little secrets doctors don't tell you is it is a bit of an art to read x-rays. if you have any doubt get a second opinion, your health deserves it.

The doctor is probably correct, but very few things are 100%. If it is just a hairline fracture, it should heal without further treatment. Try not to put too much weight on the ankle/foot if it hurts and give it another week. If it swells or gets worse, go back to the doctor for a second look or get another opinion.

Go and get a second opinion. I had a broken bone in my foot which didn't show on a normal xray. I walked around on it for several weeks befor having a nuclear scan. I had a broken bone.

Unless your physician is a radiologist or an orthopaedic surgeon, he would not be able to discern a hairline fracture on a wet plate...we read X-ray wet and dry...the dry are more accurate. The pain and discomfort can be un-associated with a fracture. A hairline fracture really requires no treatment other than rest...it simply means that a bone cracked but did not separate and healing will take place without further treatment. For comfort's sake, an elastic bandage (Ace Wrap) may be worn, but I would just get a note from your physician stating you need bedrest for X number of days, then put your foot up, take a few pain relievers and relax...the body will do its own repair. Splinting or casting are not often used for hairline fractures...they look good but do nothing.

I would strongly suggest to get another opinion from a diferent physician. A second opinion is always a good option, principally when dealing with situation like this and in doubt.

no always,but most of the time yes.