MR Imaging of Carpal Fractures

Timely diagnosis of carpal fractures is important for optimal treatment outcome. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging performed early in the workup can provide an accurate and specific diagnosis, as well as uncover developing complications. In the absence of carpal fractures, MR imaging can provide alternative diagnoses such as other unsuspected fractures involving the distal radius/ulna or hand, osseous contusions, and soft-tissue injuries to various ligaments about the wrist. Although MR imaging is the imaging modality of choice to assess the viability of the proximal fragment in scaphoid nonunion, the optimal imaging protocol is not universally agreed upon.