Which imaging technique is most commonly used in orthopedics to diagnose fractures?

X-rays are the most commonly used imaging technique in orthopedics for diagnosing fractures due to their effectiveness in visualizing bone structures. When a patient presents with suspected fractures, X-rays provide a quick and accessible assessment, allowing medical professionals to confirm the presence, location, and type of fracture.

This modality works well because it generates images that clearly show the outlines of bones, making it easy to spot breaks, dislocations, and other abnormalities. X-rays are also relatively inexpensive and widely available in most healthcare settings, which adds to their utility in urgent scenarios where time is of the essence.

While CT scans can offer more detailed three-dimensional images of complex fractures, especially in areas like the spine or pelvis, they are not the first line of imaging due to higher costs and increased radiation exposure. MRI scans are excellent for soft tissue injuries but are not typically used for straightforward fracture diagnosis as they are more time-consuming and expensive. Ultrasound can be helpful in specific situations, such as pediatric fractures or evaluating soft tissue structures, but it is not commonly relied upon for standard fracture diagnosis in adults.