Intraarticular lesions in distal fractures of the radius in young adults. A descriptive arthroscopic study in 50 patients.
We examined the frequency of associated chondral and ligament lesions in distal fractures of the radius in young adults (men 20-60 years, women 20-50 years). Fifty initially displaced fractures were examined arthroscopically. Chondral lesions were found in 16 patients (32%). All patients but one were found to have a ligamentous injury in the wrist. No major instability was found. The most frequent ligament tear was the triangular fibrocartilage complex in 39 cases (78%), with a statistical correlation to ulnar styloid fractures. The scapholunate ligament was partially or totally torn in 27 cases (54%). No correlation was found between specific fracture type and pattern of ligament injury. Chondral and ligamentous lesions were frequent and may explain poor outcomes after seemingly well-healed distal fractures of the radius. The ligament lesions should also be kept in mind when early mobilization of the distal fracture of the radius is considered.
Lindau
T
T
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Lund University Hospital, Sweden.
Arner
M
M
Hagberg
L
L
D000328:Adult; D001182:Arthroscopy; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D014954:Wrist Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000473:pathology