The final result of the treatment of distal intra-articular radius fractures depends both on the accuracy of the fracture reduction and on the presence of additional carpal injuries. In particular, lesions of the intrinsic ligaments usually lead to severe degenerative damage of the wrist joint if they are missed primarily. With the introduction of wrist arthroscopy, these tears can be evaluated and treated earlier. Since 1993 arthroscopically assisted treatment has been performed in 23 patients with distal intra-articular fractures of the radius (mainly C-fractures according to the AO classification system or group VII and VIII fractures according to Frykman). Scapholunate (SL) tears were found in 11 patients (47.8%), 7 of whom showed marked instability intraoperatively and were stabilised at the time of surgery.
Since 1993, we have treated 30 patients with acute intra-articular distal radius fractures using arthroscopic assistance. Concomitant lesions of the intrinsic scapholunate (SL) ligaments were diagnosed in 12 patients (40%). Using the grading system of Geissler et al. [13], the identified lesions included a single grade I tear, three grade II, six grade III, and two grade IV. The grade III and IV lesions were accompanied by intraoperative findings of marked instability. Therefore operative stabilization was performed by temporary scapholunate and scaphocapitate arthrodesis. Seven patients in this group (87.5%) were followed up clinically and radiologically for an average of 3 years postoperatively. Clinical examination included range of motion and a subjective questionnaire concerning pain and ability to work. Objective grip strength was measured using a Jamar-tester and compared to the contralateral wrist. Radiological evaluation consisted of posteroanterior and lateral views and of stress views in radial and ulnar deviation. Data were evaluated by the scoring systems of Jakim et al. [21], Cooney et al. [5] and by the demerit point system of Gartland and Werley [12], as modified by Sarmiento et al. [36]. An excellent result was present in 100% of our patients by the Gartland and Werley system, in 86% by that of Jakim et al., and in 60% by that of Cooney et al. Based on a subjective questionnaire, all of the patients had an excellent or good result.
Sonographic studies were performed on cadaveric bones placed in a water bath, using 7.5-MHz linear-array transducers and 3.5-MHz sector transducers. Depending on its size, the defect was revealed as an interruption of the cortical reflection of echo or a dorsal band of echoes confined to the region of the fracture. It was interesting to note that fractures and bony defects are not visualized when the transducer is placed parallel to the fracture line or the zone of bony impaction. A further remarkable aspect was the numerous artefacts adjacent to each other at several fracture margins. It may be concluded that in an experimental setting and under standardized conditions, high-resolution transducers permit the examiner to detect cortical discontinuities of 1 mm or more.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.