Wrist Scaphoid Fracture

This young boy complained of wrist pain after a fall. The X-rays were normal, but the physician did not want to miss a significant injury, so he ordered a MRI scan. The MRI scan shows a nondisplaced, radiographically occult (X-rays normal) fracture of the scaphoid bone of the wrist. This is an important diagnosis, because improperly treated scaphoid fractures can fail to heal, leading to severe arthritis of the wrist. MRI is an excellent way to look for scaphoid fractures and other conditions that can cause wrist pain.