Comparative Study of the Diagnostic Value of Panoramic and Conventional Radiography of the Wrist in Scaphoid Fractures

Background: scaphoid fractures are the most common type of carpal fractures. objectives: the aim of the study was to compare the diagnostic value of panoramic and conventional radiographs of the wrist in scaphoid fractures. patients and methods: the panoramic and conventional radiographs of 122 patients with acute and chronic wrist trauma were studied. the radiographs were analyzed and examined by two independent radiologist observers; one physician radiologist and one maxillofacial radiologist. the final diagnosis was made by an orthopedic specialist. kappa test was used for statistical calculations, inter- and intra-observer agreement and correlation between the two techniques. results: wrist panoramic radiography was more accurate than conventional radiography for ruling out scaphoid fractures. there was an agreement in 85% or more of the cases. agreement values were higher with better inter and intra observer agreement for panoramic examinations than conventional radiographic examinations. conclusion: the panoramic examination of the wrist is a useful technique for the diagnosis and follow-up of scaphoid fractures. its use is recommended as a complement to conventional radiography in cases with inconclusive findings.