The long-term effects of force-transmission in an injured wrist, measured with dual-energy X-ray absorphometry: a case report.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the feasibility of using a dual-energy X-ray absorphometry (DEXA) scan to predict long-term force-transmission patterns in wrists.


METHODS
Both wrists of a man with morbid Kienböck stage IIIa disease of his left wrist (avascular necrosis of the lunate) were examined by a DEXA scan to determine the differences in bone density in the distal radius.


RESULTS
In the distal radius of the injured wrist, a shift in bone density was seen toward the scaphoid fossa, which resembles the shift in force-transmission pattern described in force-transmission studies of the wrist.


CONCLUSIONS
These differences can be interpreted as a result of an altered force-transmission pattern in the injured wrist.
Hoogbergen
M M
MM
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Academic Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands. hoogbergen@nvpc.nl
Rijnders
W
W
Van Dongen
A J
AJ
Anema
P C
PC
Van Rijk
P P
PP
Spauwen
P H
PH
Kauer
J M
JM
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000328:Adult; D015519:Bone Density; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D012667:Lunate Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D010007:Osteochondritis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011884:Radius / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D014954:Wrist Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology