Coronal Fractures of the Scaphoid: A Review

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Radiology
• Hand surgery

Background:

• Coronal (or frontal plane) fractures of the scaphoid bone are rare.
• Published reports detailing these specific fractures are limited.
• These fractures are often initially misdiagnosed or missed on standard X-rays.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the uncommon nature of coronal scaphoid fractures.
• To emphasize the diagnostic challenges and key radiographic findings.
• To stress the importance of early recognition for optimal patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Review of retrospective case series.
• Analysis of diagnostic imaging, including X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans.
• Correlation of imaging findings with clinical presentation.

Main Results:

• Coronal scaphoid fractures are distinctly uncommon.
• A 'double contour' of the proximal scaphoid pole on anteroposterior X-ray views suggests this fracture type.
• Computed tomography (CT) scans are essential for accurate diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• A high index of suspicion is necessary for diagnosing coronal scaphoid fractures.
• Early and accurate diagnosis via CT is critical for salvaging the scaphoid.
• Prompt treatment prevents further articular damage and improves prognosis.