What is an occult fracture?

Occult fracture refers to a type of fracture that is not visible to the naked eye or evident on radiographs. It is also known as a "hidden" fracture as it cannot be confirmed through a routine evaluation, such as a physical examination or X-ray. An occult fracture may result from a minor injury or trauma to the bone, and its symptoms may include pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area. Treatment of occult fractures typically involves rest, immobilization, and close monitoring of the fracture site to assess healing progress. Additional diagnostic tests, such as MRI or bone scans, may be necessary to confirm the presence of an occult fracture.