[Computerized tomography after surgical management of scaphoid fractures and pseudarthroses with implants in place. Method and results in 15 cases].

Fifteen patients having undergone open reduction and internal fixation for scaphoid fractures were later examined by computer tomography. Herbert-screws were used in nine cases and Ender-plates in four. In two cases, Ender-plates replaced a small fragment AO-screw as well as one Herbert-screw. Computer tomography of the wrist is not indicated on a routine basis, but whenever standard X-rays are unable to determine whether surgically treated fractures have healed or nonunion has been established. Patient cooperation is of utmost importance, if artifacts due to patient movement are to be avoided. To minimize implant artifacts, axial and radio-ulnar sections are employed; palmar-dorsal sections are advantageous whenever Ender-plates are involved.