Abstract: Objective To study and compare the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) in occult fracture. Methods The clinical data of 92 patients with occult fractures of bones and joints of limbs in the Second Hospital of Harbin from May 2017 to May 2020 was analyzed. MRI and CT diagnosis were performed respectively, and the results of surgery or arthroscopy were taken as the gold standard, and the clinical diagnosis data were compared. Results Ninety-two patients were suspected to have occult fracture, 76 patients (82.61%) were diagnosed by surgery or arthroscopy; The detection rate of occult fractures in all parts of limbs by MRI was higher than that by CT (P<0.05); The detection rate of bilateral sign, bone destruction, inflatable sign and soft tissue image on MRI was significantly higher than that on CT (P<0.05). Conclusion When MRI and CT diagnose occult fracture, MRI has better clinical detection rate and can clearly show the imaging features of fracture.

Key words: magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, occult fracture