Question:easy
Diagnostic sign of a fracture:
Diagnostic sign of a fracture:
Show Hint
Which sign can only occur if the bone is actually broken?
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
- Abnormal mobility at fracture site
- Pain at the fracture site
- Tenderness
- Swelling
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: When confirming a fracture, doctors look for findings that can be explained by nothing other than a broken bone. These are called pathognomonic or unfailing signs.
Step 2: If a limb bends or moves at a spot that has no joint, the bone must be discontinuous. This abnormal mobility, along with crepitus (a grating sensation of bone ends), points directly to a fracture.
Step 3: Swelling, pain and simple tenderness can be produced by many injuries such as contusions and ligament tears, so they cannot clinch the diagnosis. The standout diagnostic sign here is abnormal mobility.
\[\boxed{\text{Abnormal mobility at fracture site}}\]
Step 2: If a limb bends or moves at a spot that has no joint, the bone must be discontinuous. This abnormal mobility, along with crepitus (a grating sensation of bone ends), points directly to a fracture.
Step 3: Swelling, pain and simple tenderness can be produced by many injuries such as contusions and ligament tears, so they cannot clinch the diagnosis. The standout diagnostic sign here is abnormal mobility.
\[\boxed{\text{Abnormal mobility at fracture site}}\]
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