CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

Which imaging technique is best to assess a suspected fracture?

1. Ultrasound

2. X-ray

3. CT scan

4. MRI

The correct answer is: X-ray

X-ray is the most common and effective initial imaging technique used to assess suspected fractures. It provides a clear view of bone structure and is excellent for detecting most types of fractures due to its ability to show the alignment, integrity, and position of bones. When a fracture is suspected, the immediate goal is to visualize the bone directly, which X-ray does efficiently. X-rays are quick, widely available, and cost-effective, making them the first-line modality in emergency settings for trauma. While other imaging modalities such as CT scans and MRIs can offer more detailed images of complex fractures or associated soft tissue injuries, they are typically not the first choice for initial fracture assessment due to their higher cost, longer acquisition times, and sometimes require more specialized expertise to interpret. Ultrasound can be useful in some circumstances, particularly for assessing soft tissue, but it is not typically used for visualizing fractures in bone as effectively as X-ray. Therefore, in clinical practice, X-ray is acknowledged as the standard and most reliable method for the preliminary evaluation of suspected bone fractures.