occult fracture


oc·cult frac·ture

a condition with clinical signs of fracture but no radiographic evidence; after 2-4 weeks, radiographic imaging shows new bone formation; magnetic resonance imaging frequently confirms the fracture before changes are evident on radiography; commonly seen in the navicular bone of the wrist.

oc·cult frac·ture

(ŏ-kŭlt' frak'shŭr) A condition in which there are clinical signs of fracture but no radiologic evidence; after 3-4 weeks, radiologic imaging shows new bone formation.

occult fracture

A fracture that is suspected based on clinical grounds (e.g., guarding, pain, and swelling) but not seen on x-rays. The fracture may be seen with bone scans or magnetic resonance imaging. See also: fracture