The efficacy of plain films vs MRI in the detection of scaphoid fractures.

An investigation was carried out to determine whether or not professionals perceived plain film radiography to be the 'gold-standard' in the detection of scaphoid fractures. Literature highlighted that plain film radiography was an unreliable method for detecting such fractures and that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) should now be regarded as the new 'gold-standard'. Using a quantitative method, a total of 100 postal questionnaires were sent out to radiologists in 20 different imaging departments throughout the United Kingdom (UK) asking them their opinion on this controversial subject.