Up to 16% of scaphoid fractures are radiologically occult; failure to diagnose scaphoid fractures may lead to delayed union, nonunion or avascular necrosis. Fractures may take weeks to be excluded and many patients are unnecessarily immobilised increasing work absence, clinical reviews and cost. The use of CT early in the management of suspected occult scaphoid fractures has been evaluated. The radiology and clinical notes of all patients that had scaphoid CT scans over the preceding 3 years were retrospectively reviewed. 84 patients that had CT scans within 14 days from injury were identified.Introduction
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