Imaging the problem scaphoid.
Scaphoid fractures can be difficult to diagnose on X-ray, even at 2 weeks. We have compared prospectively bone scanning versus MRI scanning in 22 patients with persistent signs and symptoms suggestive of a scaphoid fracture at 2 weeks and found both methods to be sensitive, but MRI to be more specific, particularly in diagnosing soft tissue injuries like scapho-lunate ligament ruptures and triangular fibrocartilage tears. An early MRI scan at 2 weeks allows the clinician to make the appropriate decision in this group of patients whose diagnoses include; occult scaphoid fractures, other occult carpal and radial fractures, ligamentous injuries and those without apparent injuries. MRI has also been useful in defining the group of injuries which may imitate a clinically occult scaphoid fracture.
Kitsis
C
C
Coventry and Warwickshire Hospital, UK.
Taylor
M
M
Chandey
J
J
Smith
R
R
Latham
J
J
Turner
S
S
Wade
P
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002348:Carpal Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D005596:Fractures, Closed / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis