DIAGNOSIS OF SCAPHOID FRACTURES - A PROSPECTIVE MULTICENTER STUDY OF 1,052 PATIENTS WITH 160 FRACTURES

In a prospective multicenter study of 1,052 patients with clinical sig ns of a scaphoid fracture, mammographic films and fine intensifying sc reens were used at the radiographic examination, 5 standardized projec tions including 3 special projections focused on the scaphoid were tak en. 150 fractures were diagnosed at the first examination but in 10 ca ses the fracture was first diagnosed at a second radiographic examinat ion after 10-14 days. The second examination still seems mandatory des pite the use of high quality radiographs with optimal spatial resoluti on and contrast, and the value of supplementary special projections.