Because of the biplanar
angulation and curvature of the distal radius, the alignment of
intraarticular distal radius fractures may be difficult to estimate by
plain radiographs. |
Click on each image for a larger picture |
This patient presented with
persistent wrist pain, swelling and stiffness one year out from closed
reduction and external fixation of a n intraarticular distal radius
fracture. |
No prior films were
available. Plain films suggested a depressed section of the radial edge
of the lunate fossa and loss of dorsal tilt. |
On first glance, 3D CT
reconstruction looked favorable for possible simple dorsal opening
wedge corrective osteotomy. |
Below, a fly-around video of the 3D reconstruction: |
Digitally hiding the carpal bones obstructing the view of the distal radius shows a much more significant articular defect. In these views, the
proximal cortex of the scaphoid remains as a yellowish shell - it could not be cleanly
removed because it is in bony contact with the dordal lip of the radius. |
Video fly around view of the
distal radius articular surface: |
Search for... intraarticular distal radius malunion distal radius malunion |
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