Fifteen minutes bone scintigraphy in patients with clinically suspected scaphoid fracture and normal x-rays

Occult fractures of the scaphoid bone occur frequently and may lead to non-union. The use of three-phase bone scintigraphy in patients with normal x-rays of the scaphoid after carpal injury is widely advocated.In this study, 40 patients with negative radiographs but clinically suspected scaphoid fracture, all had rapid bone scintigraphy with images taken 15 min after intravenous injection of 99 m-Technetium Hydroxymethylene diphosphonate. The scan was performed approximately 2 weeks after the trauma. We found 8 fractures of the scaphoid bone and 13 fractures of other carpal bones. In 5 cases the images were inconclusive. At follow-up 6 months to 2 years later we found no patients with non-union. We find this rapid version of the bone scan useful as a second line investigation for continuing wrist pain following trauma in the presence of normal radiography. This can result in a reduction in both time and costs required for the diagnostic process. If the results are inconclusive we recommend a delayed image. CT or MRI could also be considered. In rare cases a wrist arthroscopy may be considered.