Can you tell a bone is broken without an x-ray?

Answer by  bigdog22 (308)

Yes, you can use a tuning fork. You can do this by hitting it and then placing it on the bones. The virbrations/ pain incurred will let you know if it is cracked or not. Also, if the bone is broken you should get swelling and possibly bruising to the local area of where you think the break is.

Answer by  ToralDwivedi (606)

A fractured [broken] bone site is tender, swelled, unable to do normal activity and it is extremely painful when touched. There is loss of function. If you try to move the broken ends, broken surfaces will rub wit each other and cause pain. It is called 'crepitations'. If a limb is bone fractured surrounding muscle tone 'pulls' the fractured bone.

Answer by  coral (54)

In many cases for severe breaks, medical professionals can determine there is a broken bone without an xray. Xrays are still needed however, to determine extent of injury.

Answer by  Melissa101010 (4405)

You can tell a bone is broken without an xray if the bone is poking out of the skin and is very painful.