Ultrasound diagnosis of scaphoid fracture: presentation of a case

Traditional knowledge indicates that ultrasound is not suitable for recording changes in the periosteum and cortical bone, as they produce a sound which hampers refraction study. Therefore, they require the application of X-ray tomography and scintigraphy. In order to visualize the presence and magnitude of a fracture of the scaphoid and know the sensitivity of high-resolution ultrasound in the immediate diagnosis of this lesion, a report of this case is presented. A 33-year-old male patient who presented manifestations of acute traumatic injury was assessed performing hand X-ray, in which it was impossible to visualize the lesion at the carpal scaphoid. Digital ultrasonography equipment was used, with multi frequency transducers 6.5 to 10 MHz. The affected and contralateral hand and wrist were evaluated by the palmar and dorsal side, making longitudinal, lateral, and oblique cuts. It was possible to assert the scaphoid fracture through ultrasound study. It is visualized as a hyperechoic discontinuity of cortical bone line, it was accompanied by low area of echogenicity on the periphery of the cortical bone, which was related to edema and periarticular presence of fluid.