Scaphoid fractures can be difficult to assess clinically with relatively innocuous symptoms and imaging plays a vital role in diagnosis. Scaphoid fractures can be complicated by avascular necrosis, mal-union or non-union. The scaphoid plays a pivotal role in the movement of the wrist carpal complex, and such complications may lead to significant long term disability. Early diagnosis and treatment improves outcome and reduces complication rates. We would like here to discuss the wide range of diagnostic modalities, techniques and protocols and to raise the awareness...

Scaphoid fractures can be difficult to assess clinically with relatively innocuous symptoms and imaging plays a vital role in diagnosis. Scaphoid fractures can be complicated by avascular necrosis, mal-union or non-union (1,2,3). The scaphoid plays a pivotal role in the movement of the wrist carpal complex, and such complications may lead to significant long term disability (4). Early diagnosis and treatment improves outcome and reduces complication rates. Some authors have argued that subtle fractures which are not visible on the initial radiographs are likely to...

What are the options? And what is everybody else doing? A wide range of diagnostic modalities, techniques and protocols are used worldwide. These include repeat plain radiographs, bone scintigraphy, MRI and CT imaging. Most studies have agreed that following a normal initial x-ray, further evaluation should be carried out in all symptomatic patients. The large pool of evidence however reports a wide spectrum of sensitivity figures and variable recommendations have been published on the ideal modality. The majority of centres adopt the most practical and...

Our flash review of the literature has concluded a few recommendations: 1- A follow up radiograph and re-examination should be carried out at 10-14 days. These radiographs should be interpreted by an experienced observer. 2- MRI and CT are of comparable sensitivity. 3- The modality of choice often depends on cost, availability and reporter’s preference, which differ from centre to centre. 4- MRI has more evidence to support its marginally superior sensitivity. This combined with the lack of ionising radiation makes it the modality of...

1•Incidence, mechanism, and natural history of scaphoid fractures. Kozin SH (PMID:11775464) 2•Scaphoid malunion, Peter C. Amadio, MD, Thomas H, Berquist, MD, Douglas K, Smith, MD, Duane M. Ilstrup, MS, William P. Cooney III, MD,Ronald L. Linscheid, MD 3•Scaphoid fracture and nonunion: current status of radiological diagnostics , Coblenz G, Christopoulos G, Fröhner S, Kalb KH, Schmitt R. 4•Effects of scaphoid fractures on the biomechanics of the wrist. (PMID:11775466) 5•Dorsay et al. Cost-Effectiveness of Immediate MR Imaging Versus Traditional Follow-Up for Revealing Radiographically Occult Scaphoid Fractures....

1st Author: Dr.Mohammed K.M Ali Junior Clinical Fellow Trauma and Orthopaedics Royal Derby Hospital [email protected] 2nd Author: Dr. Ahmed M Mohammed Speciality Trainee in Clinical radiology Health Education North East County Durham and Darlington