[jmhmd]

MR is not always superior to x-ray for fracture detection, in fact, in the acute phase MR is often normal as marrow edema has not yet developed. Resolution is far worse than CT or plain film xray, making subtle non-displaced fractures impossible to see. MR can be good for occult fractures that are not visible on xray, but usually better after at least a few days so that marrow edema will have developed.

[lostlogin]

Thanks for this. In keeping with what you say, the type of patient we see is nearly always a week post injury with pain but a negative x-ray. They want to work or travel or something and are after a definitive answer. Another key benefit to MRI, I suspect, is that if it isn't a fracture a CT isn't that helpful, while any soft tissue injury is likely well demonstrated on MR.