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European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology

Published in:

01-10-2014 | Original Article

Radiographic assessment of ligamentous injuries in distal radius fractures after open reduction and internal fixation

Authors: Sanjay Naran, Yaron Zaulan, Sameer Shakir, Louis A. Gilula, Frederick W. Werner, Ronit Wollstein

Published in: European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology | Issue 7/2014

Abstract

Objectives

Concomitant ligamentous injury in distal radius fractures (DRF) may explain continued pain following surgery. The purpose of this study was to compare radiographic measurements assessing scaphoid translation in DRF after reduction, to measurements performed on normal radiographs. This may allow noninvasive evaluation of radiocarpal ligamentous integrity.

Methods

Fifty postoperative radiographs were evaluated. The distance between the ulnar border of the radial styloid and the radial border of the scaphoid was measured midway between the styloid tip and scaphoid base, and then divided by scaphoid width at the same level. The measured ratios were compared to previously established normal data, established radiographic measurements of fracture reduction, fracture characteristics and fixation methods.

Results

Radiographic scaphoid position measurements differed significantly from normals (p = 0.0001). Fracture characteristics, surgical difficulty, and technique were not associated with scaphoid position.

Conclusions

Despite accurate surgical reduction, abnormal positioning of the scaphoid may persist. This may reflect ligamentous injury, which generates suboptimal clinical results. Identifying and addressing ligamentous injury during surgery may prevent the development of instability and improve outcome after DRF.

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Title: Radiographic assessment of ligamentous injuries in distal radius fractures after open reduction and internal fixation
Authors: Sanjay Naran
Yaron Zaulan
Sameer Shakir
Louis A. Gilula
Frederick W. Werner
Ronit Wollstein
Publication date: 01-10-2014
Publisher: Springer Paris
Published in: European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology / Issue 7/2014
Print ISSN: 1633-8065
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1068
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-013-1383-y

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Radiographic assessment of ligamentous injuries in distal radius fractures after open reduction and internal fixation

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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