[Primary diagnosis of osseous carpal area injuries--a comparison of conventional examination methods with digital luminescence radiography]

Abstract

Despite recent progress in improving diagnostic methods carpal bone lesions are still a major problem of primary diagnosis. Diagnostic imaging with digital luminescence radiography (DLR) allows the reliable presentation of traumatologically relevant carpal structures. In this study on 39 patients with suspected carpal bone injuries individually worked over DLR images were superior to "standard" DLR and conventional X-ray film/screen images. Though "standard" DLR images were inferior to film images edge-enhanced DLR images showed definite advantages in the demonstration of soft tissues. Fractures undetectable in conventional X-rays could not be recognized by digital imaging. In our experience bone-scanning remains the most reliable method for definite exclusion of carpal bone fractures after standard and digital X-ray methods are exhausted.