Interobserver variability among radiologists for diagnosis of scaphoid fractures by computed tomography.

Purpose: To determine the interobserver variability among radiologists for computed tomography (CT) diagnosis of scaphoid fractures.

Methods: Four specialized musculoskeletal radiologists evaluated the CT scans of 150 consecutive patients who were clinically suspected of having sustained a scaphoid fracture but whose scaphoid-specific radiographs were normal. The radiologists were asked to determine the presence or absence of a scaphoid fracture and to localize the fracture.

Early computed tomography compared with bone scintigraphy in suspected scaphoid fractures.

Purpose: This study examined whether multidetector computed tomography (CT) is superior to bone scintigraphy for diagnosis of an occult scaphoid fracture.

Methods And Materials: In a study period of 22 months, 100 consecutive patients with a clinically suspected scaphoid fracture and no fracture on scaphoid radiographs, were evaluated with CT within 24 hours after injury and bone scintigraphy between 3 and 5 days after injury. The reference standard for a true (radiographic occult) scaphoid fracture was either (1) diagnosis of fracture on both CT and bone scintigraphy or (2) in case of discrepancy, clinical and/or radiographic evidence of a fracture during follow-up.