MRI scanning in suspected fractures of the scaphoid bone

MR examination was performed in 20 patients clinically suspected of having a fracture of the scaphoid bone. The patients also followed the normal routine with conventional radiographs in the acute fase and after 10-12 days. The MR was in most cases performed within a day after the trauma. All fractures seen on conventional radiographs were depicted on MR. MR further showed four fractures, five bone contusions (bone bruise) and lesions of the soft tissues in 75% of the patients. In patients with suspected fracture of the scaphoid, MR seems to be the best primary imaging method and displays a wide range of lesions.