The suspected scaphoid fracture and isotope bone imaging

Carpal trauma often results in scaphoid injury. A small group of patients have clinical evidence of scaphoid fracture but radiographs fail to demonstrate bony damage. Persistent pain warrants isotope bone scanning. This report reviews the results of 36 consecutive bone scans performed for the suspected scaphoid injury and reviews radiographs taken on presentation. In all, 18 diagnosed fractures: there were three of the scaphoid, six of the distal radius and nine of other carpal bones. It was possible, with hindsight, to see eight fractures on the original radiographs. In patients with continued pain over the radial side of the carpus, attention should be given to the other carpal bones and the distal radius and not just the scaphoid.