The value of MR-tomography in the diagnosis of occult fractures

The term "occult fracture" defines the lack of visible fracture signs in co nventional radiography although a fracture exists. The diagnosis is made in the sequel or through further diagnostic procedures. The use of scintigrap hy and CT examinations is limited by their moderate sensitivity and specifi city. In contrast, MRI is a diagnostic tool that allows early diagnosis of a fracture and of accompanying chondral or ligament damage. We report on 23 patients with traumatic fractures at 5 different anatomical sites, all of which were negative by x-ray, but the diagnosis could subsequently be made with MRI.