TY - JOUR
T1 - Traditional radiography versus computed tomography to assess reduced distal radius fractures
AU - Dankelman, Lente H.M.
AU - Barvelink, Britt
AU - Verhofstad, Michael H.J.
AU - Wijffels, Mathieu M.E.
AU - Colaris, Joost W.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2024.
PY - 2024/10
Y1 - 2024/10
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85198110139&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s00068-024-02598-5
DO - 10.1007/s00068-024-02598-5
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85198110139
SN - 1863-9933
VL - 50
SP - 2313
EP - 2321
JO - European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery
JF - European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery
IS - 5
ER -