[Radiologic diagnosis of injuries of the wrist]

To visualise the rupture of the scaphoid bone it will be sufficient--as has been proven--to perform two additional projections from the navicular series besides the standard x-rays of the wrist joint, namely, with the hand in writing-pen position and in hyperpronation. With this procedure, almost all (99%) of fractures detected during first examination can be diagnosed. To prove the occurrence of fractures of the wrist besides those of the os naviculare, specific x-rays are employed in accordance with the results of an on-target clinical examination. Such x-rays are, in particular: lateral radioulnar x-ray rotated by 10 degrees in volar direction to assess the os triquetrum; lateral radioulnar x-ray in 10-30 degrees supination to visualise the os pisiforme; carpal tunnel x-ray to assess the entire hollow of the hand, in particular the volar parts of os pisiforme, os hamatum (hamulus) and os trapezium. Although such fractures can partly also be diagnosed by means of a navicular series, as already stated, it is not permissible to exclude the presence of a fracture if there are no abnormal findings in the navicular quartet whereas clinical findings are positive.