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Investigations in fractures

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Authoring team

The radiograph is the single most important investigation. For meaningful interpretation and to prevent omissions, the following rule of two's should be observed:

  • 2 views - for example AP and lateral
  • 2 joints - above and below the obvious injury
  • 2 occasions, for example in scaphoid fracture - if there is any doubt, bring back the patient after a few days
  • 2 limbs, particularly important for comparison of the epiphyses in children

In more difficult cases, consider:

  • CT or MRI
  • radioisotope scanning

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