Outcome of routine bone scintigraphy in suspected scaphoid fractures

Abstract

Undisplaced scaphoid fractures are easily missed on conventional scaphoid radiographs, but these occult fractures may seriously impair hand function. Routine bone scintigraphy (BS) is often advocated if there are clinical signs of a scaphoid fracture without radiological evidence. However, the results require careful therapeutic management.

Objective: To determine the diagnostic value of BS in daily practice for clinically suspected scaphoid fractures.

Methods: We evaluated our protocol of routine BS in suspected scaphoid fractures.

Subjects: In a retrospective study, we analysed 111 consecutive cases with signs of a scaphoid fracture on physical examination. Radiographs revealed 55 fractures, the remaining 56 patients all underwent BS.

Main results: On average, the BS was performed after 4 days. It showed a fracture in 38/56 of the patients. The distribution of fractures was: scaphoid bone 15, distal radius 11, other carpal bones 9 and metacarpal bones 3.

Conclusion: If there is a strong clinical suspicion of a scaphoid fracture, which cannot be confirmed by conventional radiology, BS is a valuable diagnostic tool.