Can a day 4 bone scan accurately determine the presence or absence of scaphoid fracture?
STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of day 4 bone scans in predicting the presence or absence of fracture in patients with “clinical scaphoid fracture.” DESIGN: Prospective sensitivity study of ED patients with clinical scaphoid fractures. Each patient was immobilized in a thumb spica cast and had day 4 bone scans of both wrists and hands. Blinded day 4 bone scan results were ultimately compared with the diagnosis on day 14 when patients returned for repeat clinical examination and radiographs. In cases of equivocal radiographic or clinical examination results, a day 14 bone scan was performed. SETTING: Two tertiary care teaching hospital emergency departments. PARTICIPANTS: All ED patients older than 16 years with the diagnosis of clinical scaphoid fracture were eligible. RESULTS: Ninety-nine patients were enrolled and successfully completed the study protocol from October 1990 through November 1992. One patient had bilateral injury, for a total of 100 completed studies. Day 4 b
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- Can a day 4 bone scan accurately determine the presence or absence of scaphoid fracture?
