The clinical significance of the scaphoid cortical ring sign: a study of normal wrist X-rays.

The scaphoid cortical ring sign, identified as a radiological indicator of rotary subluxation of the scaphoid, is frequently seen on normal wrist X-rays. This study examined the clinical significance of this sign in 139 normal wrists in 114 patients, with a mean age of 52 (range 15-81) years. In this study, there were no significant relationships between the appearance of a cortical ring sign and age, gender or hand dominance. Consequently, a cortical ring sign indicates scaphoid flexion, but may be visible in the normal wrist at any age or gender and in either hand and is not necessarily an indicator of pathology in the wrist.