Large series vindicates early MRI for the diagnosis of wrist pain following trauma

SummaryInjuries to and around the wrist are of common occurrence. However, disability following these injuries both in the short and long term is common. Early accurate diagnosis is of paramount importance and in those who have no obvious injury, advice regarding mobilization is necessary. In this context, we put early MRI to the test to assess if there were advantages of early scanning. All patients who attended Casualty following a wrist injury and had normal plain films but a high index of clinical suspicion for an underlying injury underwent a MRI scan. The results of this series which to our knowledge is the largest series indicate significant difference to patient management. Early MRI is clearly superior to plain film assessment. Patient follow-up, further diagnostic evaluation, and need for surgery and also patient to surgeon communication can significantly improve following early MRI. Patients are also likely to appreciate the options available to them better following MRI