Radiographic demonstration of fractures of the carpal navicular bone and the value of a new projection
Jensen, P.R.; Martens, S.E.
Ugeskrift for Laeger 150(26): 1612-1613
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0041-5782 PMID: 3388575 Document Number: 321326
A prospective investigation comprizing 396 patients submitted to radiographic investigation on account of suspected fracture of the carpal scaphoid and with subsequent follow-up control was undertaken. It appears probable that none of the patients without radiographic suspicion of fracture at the primary investigation developed complications of fracture. It is proposed that the certainty with a new cheaper and less rigorous treatment of patients with clinically suspected fractures of the carpal scaphoid are investigated prospectively in a department of orthopaedic surgery. A special projection of the carpal scaphoid in the antero-posterior plane with the rays tipped 40.degree. was assessed blindly in 132 patients. With this projection, none of the transverse fractures could be demonstrated and this projection cannot, therefore, be recommended.