REGISTRAT ION BONE SCAN IN THE EVALUATION OF WRIST PAIN

We assessed the value of bone scintigraphy combined with X-ray registration for the diagnosis and management of wrist pain in 65 patients. Studies were reported independently by two observers before and after registration. Registration improved localization of scan abnormalities in 53% (observer 1) and 61 % (observer 2). In these patients, the bone scan contributed to the diagnosis independently of the X-ray in 37 % and the management was altered in 31%. The value of the bone scan in the early diagnosis and management of wrist pain is increased when it is registered with X-rays. Journal of Hand Surgery (British and European Volume, 1997) 22B: 2:161-166 Wrist pain is a common clinical problem in orthopaedic and rheumatology practice and often follows trauma. Diagnosis may be difficult, with X-rays sometimes unhelpful. However, the radionuclide bone scan is recog-nized to be highly sensitive for detecting abnormal bone pathology although it is limited by a low spatial reso-lution. Accurate localization of focal abnormalities ca