Traditional radiography versus computed tomography to assess reduced distal radius fractures.
Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg
; 2024 Jul 10.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38985187
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
This study compares computed tomography (CT) with plain radiography in its ability to assess distal radius fracture (DRF) malalignment after closed reduction and cast immobilization.METHODS:
Malalignment is defined as radiographic fracture alignment beyond threshold values according to the Dutch guideline encompassing angulation, inclination, positive ulnar variance and intra-articular step-off or gap. After identifying 96 patients with correct alignment on initial post-reduction radiographs, we re-assessed alignment on post-reduction CT scans.RESULTS:
Significant discrepancies were found between radiographs and CT scans in all measurement parameters. Notably, intra-articular step-off and gap variations on CT scans led to the reclassification of the majority of cases from correct alignment to malalignment. CT scans showed malalignment in 53% of cases, of which 73% underwent surgery.CONCLUSION:
When there is doubt about post-reduction alignment based on radiograph imaging, additional CT scanning often reveals malalignment, primarily due to intra-articular incongruency.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Language:
En
Journal:
Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Países Bajos