title: Computed tomography's influence on the classifications and treatment of the distal radius fractures.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Distal radius fractures are common in emergency centers. The radiographic routine includes at least two radiographic projections used for diagnosing most of these fractures. Computed tomography (CT) is indicated for evaluating complex fractures that affect the articular surface, as well as the fragments' size and position. There are not enough comparative studies on choosing classification and treatment by means of the four radiographic projections and computed tomography (CT) and the association of these with the levels of expertise.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a randomized cross-sectional study by observing images from 61 patients with distal radius fractures organized in two phases: the first phase comprising radiographic images alone and the second one with those same images associated with tomograms. Seventeen evaluators with different levels of training and expertise classified the fractures according to the AO and Universal classification systems and proposed treatment guidelines.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The agreement between the AO and Universal classification ratings was poor (worse for the former), with smaller Fleiss' kappa resulting from data obtained by orthopedics residents and non-specialist orthopedists. CT influenced the classification choice, with a higher change frequency for more complex patterns in the AO classification system and intra-articular and irreducible fractures in the Universal classification system, especially in the group comprised of orthopedic residents and orthopedic physicians. CT did not influence the treatment choice made by the group comprised of hand surgery residents and hand surgeons.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The less experienced in hand surgery the observer was, the more important computed tomography was for determining the fracture pattern.
authors.affiliation: Hand Surgery and Microsurgery Group, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Santa Casa de São Paulo, Rua Dr. Cesário Motta Júnior, 112, CEP 01221-020 São Paulo, SP Brazil.
authors.forename: Valdênia
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: das Graças Nascimento
authors.affiliation: Hand Surgery and Microsurgery Group, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Santa Casa de São Paulo, Rua Dr. Cesário Motta Júnior, 112, CEP 01221-020 São Paulo, SP Brazil.
authors.forename: Antonio Carlos
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: da Costa
authors.affiliation: Hand Surgery and Microsurgery Group, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Santa Casa de São Paulo, Rua Dr. Cesário Motta Júnior, 112, CEP 01221-020 São Paulo, SP Brazil.
authors.forename: Diego Figueira
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Falcochio
authors.affiliation: Hand Surgery and Microsurgery Group, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Santa Casa de São Paulo, Rua Dr. Cesário Motta Júnior, 112, CEP 01221-020 São Paulo, SP Brazil.
authors.forename: Leonardo Depiere
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Lanzarin
authors.affiliation: Hand Surgery and Microsurgery Group, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Santa Casa de São Paulo, Rua Dr. Cesário Motta Júnior, 112, CEP 01221-020 São Paulo, SP Brazil.
authors.forename: Sérgio Luiz
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Checchia
authors.affiliation: Hand Surgery and Microsurgery Group, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Santa Casa de São Paulo, Rua Dr. Cesário Motta Júnior, 112, CEP 01221-020 São Paulo, SP Brazil.
authors.forename: Ivan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Chakkour
keywords: Radius fractures/classification; Radius fractures/therapy; Tomography