RADIOLOGICALLY OCCULT SCAPHOID AND WRIST FRACTURES - PRELIMINARY-RESULTS IN COMPARISON OF 0.2-T AND 1.0-T UNITS

The study was performed to determine the diagnostic value of different MR systems and field strengths in patients with occult scaphoid and w rist fractures. Twelve patients with clinical suspicion of a scaphoid fracture but normal plain radiographs were examined by MRI. A dedicate d 0.2-T unit (Esaote) and a 1.0-T unit (NT10, Philips) were used. Coro nal T1W-SE, STIR, and T2W-GE sequences were obtained with both system s. Images were evaluated for a bone marrow abnormality, a trabecular o r cortical fracture line, and were compared to the 6-week follow-up ra diographs. Seven wrist fractures were found at 0.2 T and 1.0 T, proven in the follow-up radiographs. A bone marrow abnormality was present i n all seven fractures on both systems. Trabecular and cortical fractur e lines were visualized at 0.2 T in four cases and at 1.0 T in seven c ases. Low-field MR imaging at 0.2 T and mid-field MR imaging at 1.0 T seem to be equivalent in the diagnosis of a fracture in radiographical ly occult scaphoid and wrist fractures. In the visualization of fractu re details, important for therapeutic and prognostic considerations, 1 .0 T seems to be superior.