Bone scanning of fractures of the scaphoid

The value of isotope scanning in patients with clinical signs of fracture of the carpal scaphoid bone and negative or non-diagnostic initial radiographs was examined. 30 patients were examined using both radiography and isotope scanning. A normal scan excludes a fracture. Increased activity localized to the scaphoid bone indicates a fracture. 9 patients had fracture of the scaphoid evident on bone scans within 2 weeks of the injury. It took 2-6 weeks before these fractures showed up on radiographs.