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Low field MRI and scaphoid fracture
J Lepistö1, K Mattila, S Nieminen
1Department of Surgery, Turku University Hospital, Finland.
Journal of Hand Surgery (Edinburgh, Scotland)
|August 1, 1995
Summary
Low-field MRI effectively detects acute scaphoid fractures and other wrist injuries. This imaging technique reveals subtle fractures missed by X-rays and identifies additional traumatic lesions, improving diagnostic accuracy for wrist trauma.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic imaging
- Musculoskeletal radiology
- Diagnostic imaging
Background:
- Scaphoid fractures are common wrist injuries often missed by initial radiography.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for preventing long-term complications such as nonunion and avascular necrosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosing acute scaphoid fractures.
- To assess MRI's capability in detecting associated wrist injuries.
Main Methods:
- Low-field MRI was performed on 18 consecutive patients with suspected acute scaphoid fractures.
- T1-weighted images were analyzed for signal intensity changes indicative of fracture.
- Radiographic findings were compared with MRI results.
Main Results:
- MRI identified 11 scaphoid fractures, while 7 were initially considered normal.
- Two radiologically evident fractures were not detected by MRI, later identified as old injuries.
- MRI revealed numerous additional wrist lesions, including triangular fibrocartilage tears (7), scapholunate ligament tears (4), and other carpal fractures (7).
Conclusions:
- Low-field MRI is a valuable tool for diagnosing acute scaphoid fractures, particularly when radiography is inconclusive.
- MRI demonstrates superior sensitivity for detecting occult fractures and associated ligamentous and cartilaginous injuries in the wrist.