MR imaging in suspected acute trauma of wrist bones

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the findings of MR imaging compared to plain radiography in acute wrist trauma.

Radiography and MR imaging (obtained at 1.5 T) of 67 patients (38 female, 29 male, aged 15-80 years) were analysed by three senior radiologists in a blinded random fashion.

One-third (n= 13) of the 37 fractures observed on MR images were missed on the radiographs. The McNemar test indicated significant differences in diagnoses between radiography and MR.

We recommend that MR imaging should be considered in the diagnosis of acute wrist trauma when: 1) There is a clear discrepancy between the clinical status and a negative radiography and when splint treatment would increase cost by causing occupational restrictions; and 2) Healing of trauma diagnosed as contusion or distension does not occur within the expected time.