Scaphoid fractures and nonunions: a comparison between panoramic radiography and plain X-rays

This study describes the diagnostic potential of the panoramic X-ray technique in the evaluation of scaphoid fractures and nonunions. Fifty-eight symptomatic wrists were examined using both plain X-rays and the panoramic procedure. The panoramic images showed in detail the line of the scaphoid fracture and nonunion in detail; they revealed four scaphoid fractures and five nonunions that were not shown clearly with plain X-rays. The panoramic technique is a useful complement to plain X-rays for the investigation of scaphoid fractures and nonunions.