The Usefulness of Computed Tomography in Distal Radius Fractures Involving Articular Surface

Kim,  Bae Gyun; Chung,  Yang Guk; Lee,  Joo Yup; Park,  Il Jung; Yoo,  Hyun Ho

Journal of the Korean Society for Surgery of the Hand 2009;14(4):179-185.
Published online December 1, 2009.

Bae Gyun Kim, Yang Guk Chung, Joo Yup Lee, Il Jung Park, Hyun Ho Yoo

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea. ygchung@catholic.ac.kr

Abstract

Purpose
To evaluate the usefulness of computed tomography(CT) scanning in classification and selection of treatment method for distal radius fractures involving articular surfaces. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Plain radiographs and CT scans of 42 patients with intraarticular distal radius fractures was analysed for type of fractures and surgical indication and then the results were compared.

Results
Fracture types were changed in 15 of 42 patients. 10 patients with AO B1, B3, C1 or C2 type fractures were reclassified as C3 type, which suggested that CT scan revealed articular comminution more accurately. According to the assesment of plain radiographs, 16 patient needed surgical treatment. However additional 17(68%) patients were necessary operation on the bases CT scan evaluation.

Conclusions
Evaluation of intraarticular fractures of distal radius using CT scan was useful for fracture classification and selection of treatment methods, which provided an accurate assessment of fracture patterns and reduction status.