The significance of the optimal and timely diagnosis and treatment of a scaphoid fracture
Keywords:
diagnostic imaging, radiography education, researchAbstract
This case report discusses the importance of optimal and timely diagnosis which impacts on the treatment of a patient with a scaphoid fracture. The scaphoid is a ‘boat’- shaped carpal bone that articulates with the distal radius, trapezium, and capitate. A delay in diagnosis may lead to a variety of adverse outcomes such as non-union, delayed union, decreased grip strength, decreased range of motion, and osteoarthritis of the radiocarpal joint [1- 5]. A fracture of a scaphoid is easily misdiagnosed due to its minute size and vague clinical symptoms. To avoid a variety of severe adverse outcomes it is necessary for early recognition and diagnosis which should result in the necessary treatment for fast healing of the fracture [5].Downloads
Published
2009-04-29
Issue
Section
Case Reports
License
Copyright on all published material belongs to the Society of Radiographers of South Africa (SORSA).I hereby understand and declare that:
- All proprietary rights other than copyright are reserved to the authors, as well as the right to reproduce original figures and tables from this item in their future works, provided full credit is given to the original publication The South African Radiographer ISSN 0258 0241.
- In consideration of the reviewing and editing done by the editors of The South African Radiographer of the above named manuscript, the author/s hereby transfer, assign, or otherwise convey all copyright ownership world-wide, in all languages, to the Society of Radiographers of South Africa in the event that this manuscript is accepted for publication.
- If the manuscript has been commissioned by another person or organisation, or if it has been written as part of the duties of an employee, that full authorization has been given by the representative of the commissioning organisation or employer to be published in the The South African Radiographer.