What is a common medical imaging technique used to diagnose fractures?

X-ray imaging is the common medical imaging technique used to diagnose fractures due to its ability to clearly capture the structure of bones. When a bone is fractured, X-rays can quickly reveal the presence and type of fracture, making it an essential tool in emergency and orthopedic settings.

X-rays work by passing a controlled amount of radiation through the body, with dense tissues like bones absorbing more radiation and appearing white on the images. This clarity and the speed of obtaining X-ray images are crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment of fractures.

While other imaging techniques like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scans may provide additional information about complex fractures or related soft tissue injuries, they are not the first-line imaging choice for diagnosing fractures. Ultrasound can be used in certain situations, such as in pediatric cases or to assess soft tissue, but it is not typically used to confirm fractures. Thus, X-ray imaging remains the standard method for initial fracture assessment.