Routine MRI Among Patients With a Suspected Scaphoid Fracture Risks Overdiagnosis

CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of signal changes that are distracting and potentially misleading, the low prevalence of signal changes that clearly represent a scaphoid fracture, and the low pretest odds of a true fracture among patients with a suspected scaphoid fracture illustrate that routine MRI of suspected scaphoid fractures carries a notable risk of overdiagnosis and potential overtreatment. Two alternative strategies are supported by preliminary evidence and merit additional attention: more-selective use of MRI in people deemed at higher risk according to a clinical prediction rule and strategies for involving the patient in decisions regarding how to manage the notably small risk of future symptomatic nonunion.LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, diagnostic study.PMID:37707789 | DOI:10.1097/CORR.0000000000002851
Source: Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research - Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Source Type: research