Limited diagnostic value of macroradiography in suspected scaphoid fractures

In a prospective study 60, patients having suspected occult scaphoid fractures, but with normal conventional scaphoid radiographs, also underwent macroradiography. Clinical and conventional radiographic follow-up examinations and MRI identified 8 occult scaphoid fractures and 23 nonscaphoid lesions. Macroradiography identified only 50% of the occult scaphoid fractures.