[Post-traumatic pain in the wrist, a diagnostic challenge].
Hyperextension of the wrist may induce underestimated intrinsic and extrinsic ligamentous tears. Undetected scaphoid fractures show the importance of accurate primary diagnostic. Evaluation of the anatomic and functional integrity of the ligaments of the wrist remains challenging. It requires great experience, but in any case, radiology remains the basic diagnostic tool used by both the general practitioner and the specialist. Only the use of reproducible imaging techniques will allow for comparison between healthy and pathological side as well as for follow-up. Every one should master and use standardized techniques as described in this paper. The costs bound to appropriate imaging techniques are certainly lower than the consequences of misdiagnosed ligamentous damage or carpal bone fractures. Furthermore, standardized techniques will avoid repeating radiological sessions.