Scaphoid Fractures

Scaphoid fractures are one of the more common fractures in the wrist. They most often occur when you brace yourself from a fall or through a sports injury. Once a clinical exam occurs, most physicians will order a routine radiograph of the wrist. Scaphoid fractures most often do not cause much swelling and bruising so at times treatment may be delayed for some patients. Many times, the fracture will be visible on the xray. If, however, the exam is negative but their is continued suspician a CT of the wrist will be performed. This exam is readily available and is quick and less costly than an MRI. CT provides excellent boney detail. Scaphoid fractures respond well to treatment and will heal nicely. However, if one does not get treated the fracture can heal unevenly and cause long term pain and also arthritis. Above are some images of scaphoid fractures.

Labral Tear of the Shoulder

The labrum is a thin piece of cartilage in the shoulder that is rigid and fibrous. The labrum has two functions. The first is to keep the "ball" or head of the humerus in place and the other main job for the labrum is to keep structures and tissues around the shoulder together.

Labral tears usually involve trauma to the shoulder of some sort, either by dislocation or fractures. The labrum usually will not heal in the right location on its' own.

Imaging of the shoulder for labral tears includes either a CT or MRI arthrogram. This test requires a radiologist to inject contrast media into the bursa prior to either the CT or MRI. Both tests are fairly accurate but can miss small tears. This is why surgery is often required for this condition. If MRI/CT demonstrates a tear then it will always be present during surgery. However, if the tear is not complete or "frayed", sometimes surgery isn't necessary.

Recovery is good post op, however it can take up to 6 weeks for the labrum to recover.