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Tests and diagnosis

By Mayo Clinic staff

X-rays can usually pinpoint the exact location of the break and determine the extent of injury to any adjacent joints. Occasionally, your doctor may also recommend more-detailed images using computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

References
  1. Fracture. Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary. 31st ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: W.B. Saunders; 2007. http://www.dorlands.com/def.jsp?id=100042444. Accessed April 17, 2009.
  2. Shinbone fractures. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://www.orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00161. Accessed April 17, 2009.
  3. Lower leg. Marx JA, et al. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/132163627-9/830723266/1365/146.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-02845-4..50059-7--cesec116_2508. Accessed April 17, 2009.
  4. Thighbone (femur) fractures. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://www.orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00364. Accessed April 20, 2009.
  5. Fields KB. Overview of tibial fractures. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 20, 2009.
  6. Fields KB. Stress fractures of the tibia and fibula. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 20, 2009.
  7. Fractures of the lower extremity: Shaft of the femur. In: Canale ST, et al. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/132633798-5/831634018/1584/388.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-03329-9..50054-4--cesec111_2919. Accessed April 20, 2009.

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July 9, 2009

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