Current Management of Scaphoid Fractures: Twenty Questions Answered

Abstract

In an article a decade ago, Nicholas Barton posed twenty key questions about the management of scaphoid fractures. Here, experts from Europe, America, Australia and Japan respond to the questions, rephrased by Izge Gunal and Ismail Calli. The text resembles a panel discussion, with Barton the moderator and Gunal and Calli the scribes. The question—discussion—comment format covers diagnosis, imaging, treatment and complications. Each section is well illustrated with diagrams and images. Barton tries to emphasize the points of agreement and to explain the not infrequent disagreement between contributors. The division by questions means that readers can readily focus on aspects that relate most to their practice. However, anyone seeking prescriptive answers will be disappointed: the information on diagnostic and treatment options is presented in a mixture of research outcomes and anecdote. The book is certainly useful in revealing areas of ambiguity that could be clarified by further research; there are, of course, many more than twenty questions to be answered. The style and format will have its fans, but some readers might prefer less emphasis on personal views and a more scientific write-up.