99Tcm-MDP bone scanning of injuries of the carpal scaphoid.

Abstract

Clinical injuries of the carpal scaphoid are frequently seen at accident and emergency departments. Some exhibit delayed radiographic visualization of a fracture. The radioisotope bone scan is a sensitive test and increased uptake is observed in healing fractures. Twenty-three patients with an initial diagnosis of clinical fractures of the scaphoid were studied clinically, radiologically and independently by 99Tcm-MDP isotope scans. Three-quarters of the patients required only 1 month's management. Their corresponding bone scans were normal or not suggestive of a fracture. The remaining 25 per cent, who clinically required a more prolonged treatment (greater than or equal to 5 weeks' immobilization), were noted independently to have positive scans whether a fracture was observed or not. It is concluded that there is a stronger correlation between clinical examination and a bone scan than with a standard radiographic examination. It is proposed that patients still tender at 3 weeks should have a carpal isotope bone scan to identify if there is an important wrist injury and appropriate treatment commenced.

• Authors: M R Young, J H Lowry, J D Laird, W R Ferguson
• Journal: Injury (Injury) Vol. 19 Issue 1 Pg. 14-7 (Jan 1988) ISSN: 0020-1383 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 3169970 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Technetium Tc 99m Medronate

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Carpal Bones (diagnostic imaging, injuries)
• Evaluation Studies as Topic
• Female
• Fractures, Bone (diagnosis, diagnostic imaging)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Radiography
• Radionuclide Imaging
• Random Allocation
• Technetium Tc 99m Medronate