1695 Which clinical features best predict occult scaphoid fracture? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Conclusion Eight studies reported data on 1,685 wrist injuries. The prevalence of scaphoid fracture despite normal radiographs was 7.3%. The most accurate predictors of occult scaphoid fracture were pain with supination against resistance (sensitivity 100%, specificity 97.9%, LR 45.0 [95% CI 6.5–312.5], supination strength <10% of contralateral side (sensitivity 84.6%, specificity 76.9%, LR 3.7 [95% CI 2.2–6.1]), pain on ulnar deviation (sensitivity 55.2%, specificity 76.4%, LR 2.3 [95% CI 1.8–3.0]), and pronation strength <10% of contralateral side (sensitivity 69.2%, specificity 64.6%, LR 2.0 [95% CI 1.2–3.2]). The absence of anatomical snuffbox tenderness significantly reduced the likelihood of an occult scaphoid fracture (sensitivity 92.1, specificity 48.4, LR- 0.2 [95% CI 0.4–0.7]). In conclusion, no single feature can satisfactorily exclude occult scaphoid fracture. However, a number of clinical findings significantly affect the pre-test likelihood of fracture. Future work should determine whether combinations of clinical findings can be used to guide which patients require immobilisation and further imaging despite normal initial radiographs.
Source: Emergency Medicine Journal - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: RCEM Moderated Papers Source Type: research