Presentation
Persistent wrist pain for 10 days after fall. Referred for bone scintigraphy after negative radiographs.
Patient Data
CASE OF THE MONTH: This case was selected as the Case of the Month for December 2022.
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2-phase bone scan obtained 10 days after injury demonstrates a transverse band of intense increased radiotracer uptake in the distal metaphysis of the left radius, present on both blood pool and delayed phases.
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Prior x-rays obtained 3 days after injury show no acute osseous abnormality.
Case Discussion
The positive blood pool phase indicated soft tissue hyperemia. The positive delayed phase is representative of increased osteoblastic activity.
In combination with the normal x-ray, findings are consistent with an occult, non-displaced distal radial fracture.