Cost-effectiveness of MRI in managing suspected scaphoid fractures.

In a cost-effectiveness study, we compared a treatment algorithm using repeated radiological examination with an algorithm using subacute MRI in patients with clinical signs of scaphoid fracture but normal initial radiography. Twenty-seven patients were included in both groups, and MRI reduced the immobilisation time from 20 days (range, 6-54) to 4 days (range, 1-19) and sick leave from 27 days (1-92) to 11 days (0-28). Use of MRI increased hospital costs by 151 euro (P<0.05), but reduced non-hospital costs by 2869 euro (P<0.05), making MRI cost-effective in the treatment of suspected scaphoid fractures.