Carpal Injuries Associated With Distal Radius Fractures: Arthroscopic-Tomographic Correlation
Abstract
Introduction: Distal radius fractures are among the most common fractures. Associated intercarpal injuries have been reported in up to 70% of cases. If undiagnosed or untreated, these injuries can negatively impact functional outcomes. The aim of this study was to establish a correlation between computed tomography (CT) and arthroscopy in diagnosing intercarpal injuries associated with distal radius fractures. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 146 patients (aged 18–65 years) with distal radius fractures who underwent arthroscopically assisted surgery. Preoperative radiographs and CT scans of the wrist were evaluated. Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries, ligament and osteochondral injuries, and carpal bone fractures were assessed based on pre-established imaging criteria, with arthroscopy serving as the diagnostic gold standard. The diagnostic accuracy of CT for these injuries was determined. Results: For TFCC injuries, CT demonstrated a sensitivity of 84%, specificity of 65%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 77%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 10%. For scapholunate ligament injuries, sensitivity was 61%, specificity 62%, PPV 60%, and NPV 63%. For osteochondral injuries, sensitivity was 55%, specificity 87%,PPV 22%, and NPV 97%. Conclusion: There was no statistically significant correlation between CT and arthroscopy for the preoperative diagnosis of intercarpal injuries associated with distal radius fractures.Downloads
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