Bone Fracture: Test and Diagnosis

Because severe fractures are often emergencies, the patient’s current condition must be assessed, so basic parameters that map the entire system must be determined. Depending on the underlying diseases present, appropriate laboratory parameters should also be determined to prevent possible complications.

Laboratory parameters of the 1st order – obligatory laboratory examination.

  • Small blood count
  • Differential blood count
  • Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein) or ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
  • Blood gas analysis (BGA)
  • Glucose (blood glucose, BG)
  • Electrolytes – chloride, sodium, potassium
  • Acid-base status
  • Coagulation parameters – Quick, PTT
  • Renal parameters – urea, creatinine.
  • Microbiology – possibly pathogen detection if infection is suspected.
  • Liver parameters – alanine aminotransferase (ALT, GPT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST, GOT), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT, gamma-GT; GGT), alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin.

Laboratory parameters 2nd order – depending on the results of the history and physical examination, other laboratory parameters can be collected for differential diagnosis.

  • If a pathological fracture is suspected, extensive diagnostic or laboratory measures should be taken, which can characterize the causative disease.
  • Z. E. In V. a. (Suspicion of) osteoporosis, further laboratory parameters must be determined (see in this regard under osteoporosis).