J Korean Fract Soc.  2015 Jan;28(1):1-7. 10.12671/jkfs.2015.28.1.1.

Concomitant Carpal Injuries in Distal Radius Fractures: Retrospective Analysis by Plain Radiographs and Computed Tomography

• Cho CH
• Son ES

• KMID: 1774090
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2015.28.1.1

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence and characteristics of concomitant carpal bone fractures and ligament injuries and to analyze risk factors for carpal injuries in patients with distal radius fractures.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 362 patients with 379 distal radius fractures were reviewed retrospectively. Associated carpal bone fractures and ligament injuries were evaluated by plain radiographs and computed tomography at the time of initial trauma. Correlation between associated carpal injuries and various parameters was also analyzed.
RESULTS
Of 379 distal radius fractures, 39 cases (10.3%) had one or more carpal bone fracture and 40 cases (10.6%) had carpal ligament injuries. Overall, carpal injuries occurred in 59 cases (15.6%) distal radius fractures. Associated carpal ligament injuries showed correlation with young age and associated carpal bone fractures showed correlation with AO type B distal radius fractures. Carpal injuries including fracture and ligament injury showed correlation with male, high energy trauma, or associated injuries beyond wrist.
CONCLUSION
The incidence of concomitant carpal injuries in patients with distal radius fractures is relatively high. Concomitant carpal injuries were more common in young age, male, high energy trauma, AO type B distal radius fractures, or associated injuries beyond wrist.

Keyword

Distal radius; Carpal bones; Fracture; Ligament injury

MeSH Terms

Carpal Bones
Humans
Incidence
Ligaments
Male
Radius Fractures*
Retrospective Studies*
Risk Factors
Wrist

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 A 55-year-old female with a left distal radius fracture. (A) Plain radiographs show a comminuted fracture of the distal radius with widening of the scapholunate gap. (B) Computed tomography shows an avulsed fracture of the dorsal cortex of lunate.

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