An algorithm for acute wrist trauma. A systematic approach to diagnosis.
A systematic approach to the acute traumatized wrist is of importance to achieve early diagnosis, with efficient use of advanced imaging modalities. In a 6-month period 641 patients aged 15 years or over were examined using an algorithm for acute wrist trauma in order to secure early and appropriate treatment. In 293 (46%) cases routine radiographic examination supplied sufficient information to establish a fracture diagnosis. All 33 scaphoid fractures (including five scaphoid non-unions) were demonstrated on the initial X-ray examination. In 56 patients (9%) scintigraphy proved useful for selecting cases in need of further radiographic examination. Among 31 patients with focal activity on bone scintigraphy, CT and/or tomography revealed eight distal radial fractures, one fracture of the ulnar styloid, and eight fractures of carpal bones. Fractures were revealed using tomography and/or "hot spot views" in patients with negative CT examinations suggesting that further examinations should be performed in cases with increased focal activity on bone scintigraphy and a negative CT examination.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Odense University Hospital, Denmark.
C F
CF
Larsen
V
V
Brøndum
G
G
Wienholtz
J
J
Abrahamsen
J
J
Beyer
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000465:Algorithms; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005596:Fractures, Closed / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014954:Wrist Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis*