%0 Journal Article
%T Traditional radiography versus computed tomography to assess reduced distal radius fractures.
%A Dankelman LHM
%A Barvelink B
%A Verhofstad MHJ
%A Wijffels MME
%A Colaris JW
%J Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg
%V 0
%N 0
%D 2024 Jul 10
%M 38985187
%F 2.374
%R 10.1007/s00068-024-02598-5
%X <B>BACKGROUND: </B>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.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>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.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>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.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>When there is doubt about post-reduction alignment based on radiograph imaging, additional CT scanning often reveals malalignment, primarily due to intra-articular incongruency.