Scaphoid fractures

Summary

No clear conclusions can be made about the preference for CT versus MRI for detection of scaphoid fracture. Both methods are statistically comparable with respect to sensitivity and specificity. The prevalence of scaphoid fractures should be taken into consideration when determining positive predictive value of these diagnostic methods. Given a scaphoid fracture prevalence of 16%, a positive CT or MRI should result in a true scaphoid fracture 95% of the time. A consensus would be desirable regarding the best reference standard. Further study using a larger patient population for the direct comparison of CT versus MRI is encouraged.