Scaphoid View

Other Names

Scaphoid view radiograph of the left wrist in a gymnast with continued radial wrist pain demonstrating grade III scaphoid waist stress fracture

AP radiograph of the wrist (left) shows a double density over the scaphoid bone. Scaphoid view (right) shows a lucency through the waist of the scaphoid bone with displacement of the fracture fragments.

• Scaphoid view wrist radiograph
• Dedicated scaphoid view
• Ulnar deviation wrist view
• PA wrist with ulnar deviation
• Scaphoid series view
• Navicular view (historical terminology)
• Stecher view

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Introduction

• The scaphoid view is a specialized wrist radiograph designed to optimize visualization of the scaphoid
• By positioning the wrist in ulnar deviation, the scaphoid is elongated and separated from overlapping carpal structures
• Allows visualization in true anatomical appearance without any superimposition or foreshortening
• This can improve the detection of subtle or occult fractures
• Important in patients with clinical suspicion of scaphoid injury despite normal standard wrist radiographs

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Standard Views

Standard Wrist series

• PA view
• Lateral view
• Oblique view

Scaphoid View

• This is a posteroanterior axial projection
• Standard PA view → scaphoid often foreshortened and partially obscured
• Scaphoid view → ulnar deviation elongates the scaphoid and reduces overlap

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Pathology

• Scaphoid Fracture

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Evidence

• In a study of 84 patients with scaphoid waist fractures
  • Scaphoid view demonstrated a significantly greater detection rate (P<0.01) for both fracture identification and displacement assessment
  • Compared to standard PA and lateral views

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See Also

• Radiology Main
• Wrist Pain Main
• Physical Exam Wrist
• Wrist Anatomy

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