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Contents
  • Initial Imaging Techniques
  • Advanced Imaging for Confirmation
  • Understanding Fracture Patterns

Diagnosing Capitate Fractures: What You Should Know

Diagnosing Capitate Fractures: What You Should Know

The Diagnostic Journey

Diagnosing capitate fractures can be tricky, but understanding the process can lead to better outcomes. Here's what you need to know.
Contents
  • Initial Imaging Techniques
  • Advanced Imaging for Confirmation
  • Understanding Fracture Patterns

Initial Imaging Techniques

Diagnosis often starts with standard wrist X-rays, including anteroposterior, lateral, and oblique views. These can show fractures and help identify dislocations. However, X-rays sometimes miss capitate fractures, requiring further investigation.

Advanced Imaging for Confirmation

If X-rays don't reveal a fracture but suspicion remains, CT or MRI scans are used. CT scans provide a detailed view of the bone structure, while MRI helps detect soft tissue injuries and occult fractures.
A capitate fracture is a break in the capitate bone of the wrist, often requiring advanced imaging techniques for accurate diagnosis.

Understanding Fracture Patterns

Capitate fractures are categorized into body fractures, avulsion tip fractures, and shear depression fractures. Advanced imaging helps determine the exact type and extent of the fracture for appropriate treatment.

FAQs

How are capitate fractures initially diagnosed?

With standard wrist X-rays.

What if X-rays don't show a fracture?

CT or MRI scans are used for confirmation.

What does an MRI detect?

It detects both bone and soft tissue injuries.

What are the types of capitate fractures?

Body, avulsion tip, and shear depression fractures.

Key Takeaways

Accurate diagnosis of capitate fractures often requires advanced imaging techniques.
Consult Doctronic for advice on imaging options for wrist injuries.
Additional References
  1. Welling RD, Jacobson JA, Jamadar DA, et al. MDCT and radiography of wrist fractures: radiographic sensitivity and fracture patterns. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2008; 190:10.
  2. Balci A, Basara I, Çekdemir EY, et al. Wrist fractures: sensitivity of radiography, prevalence, and patterns in MDCT. Emerg Radiol 2015; 22:251.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.