Scaphoid fractures in athletes – the importance of a diagnostic process

Abstract

Introduction and purpose: Scaphoid fractures are the most common fractures in the wrist area, yet they are still a diagnostic problem. This injury is usual among athletes, especially soccer players, basketball players, and cyclists. Early diagnosis allows for making an appropriate therapeutic decision, and thus a more efficient recovery. Imaging methods for a scaphoid fracture include X-ray, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, bone scintigraphy and ultrasonography. This paper discusses and compares available diagnostic strategies and their impact on recovery in athletes. Brief description of the state of knowledge: The article contains the current knowledge about the epidemiology, anatomy, mechanism of injury and complications of scaphoid fractures, as well as illustrates and compares the possibilities in the field of imaging diagnostics of the injury. Conclusion: The commonness and availability of the X-ray image does not translate into a better diagnostic result. The use of computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging as the first choice gives certain confirmation or exclusion of a scaphoid fracture, and thus accelerates the therapeutic process and return to sport