[Trauma of the bones of the hand and wrist]

Fractures of the distal radius are common counting for 17 percent of all fractures. With conventional radiography they can be classified readily. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a suitable technique for the detection of occult forms of fractures and of associated soft tissue injuries. In the wrist, fractures are 10 times less common than in the distal radius, with the scaphoid bone to be involved most commonly. Indications for computed tomography (CT) are complex fractures, occult fractures, or dislocations. MRI should be performed to evaluate the soft tissues, to detect occult fractures, or to analyse osteochondral lesions. Indications for arthrography are injuries of the ligaments or of the joint capsule. Fractures and dislocations of the metacarpal, and the phalangeal bones are the most common fractures of the skeletal system. Conventional radiography is the primary imaging technique, followed by sonography and MRI to detect injuries of the ligaments and tendons.