Abstract
Introduction: An assessment of small bones damages is important regarding how to choose the best
invasive or non-invasive treatment approaches.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of ultrasonography for
diagnosis of scaphoid bone fracture in comparison with radiology and CT scan.
Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 224 patients with trauma to wrist
and suspected to scaphoid bone fracture. Patients were evaluated with ultrasonography using a linear
superficial probe on admission. Then, another radiologist who was unaware of ultrasound results,
evaluated the evidence of bone fracture by radiography and CT scanning.
Results: Comparing the results of ultrasonography with CT scan as the gold standard, the sensitivity
of ultrasonography was 85.2%, the specificity was 87.5%, the positive predictive value (PPV) was
81.5%, the negative predictive value (NPV) was 90.2%, and the diagnostic accuracy was equal to
86.6%. The diagnostic value of ultrasonography was slightly higher in men than in women, and in
older patients than in younger subjects, and also in patients referring with a delay of more than three
hours compared to earlier referring.
Conclusion: Ultrasonography can be an accurate tool as compared to other diagnostic modalities for
detection of scaphoid bone fractures particularly in men, in the elderlies, and in those with delayed
referring