Radiological evaluation of distal radio-ulnar joint congruency in distal radius fractures

Abstract

Distal Radius fractures (DRFs) are recognized as complex injuries with prognosis depending on several variables which include the fracture type and the method of treatment. Some mal-alignment of the distal Radio-Ulnar and Radio-Carpal joint has been estimated to occur in up to 71% of patients following a DRF. The Lidstrom scoring system is utilized to radiologically evaluate the DRFs in comparison to the normal side in the same individual. In this study we have assessed the Lidstrom score of DRFs at pre-reduction i.e. at the time presentation, at immediate post reduction and at follow-up at 7-10 days after reduction and after 6 weeks of reduction. The effect of various methods of reduction and stabilization in distal radius fractures was assessed, and we found that the conservative method of treatment of DRFs is most commonly opted for and gives good results. The most common AO fracture pattern in younger individual was 23B2 in the elderly was 23A2. The incidence of displacement for individual parameters was found to vary with age and severity of fracture pattern. We found there is a high propensity of post reduction re-displacement if wrist mobilization is not restricted till the time of union, even in operatively fixed pts. The most common cause of DRFs in young Males is road traffic accident, while in females is due to fall on outstretched hand.