The Orthopedic clinics of North America
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Orthop. Clin. North Am. · Apr 1993
ReviewImaging techniques for distal radius fractures and related injuries.
In patients with distal radius fractures, routine roentgenographic examination in at least two or three planes should be performed first and is usually sufficient for correct diagnosis and adequate treatment. A careful examination of the soft tissues of the forearm and wrist on conventional roentgenograms may be key for correct diagnoses. Routine roentgenographic examination of the wrist, preferable in four views, should be performed in every patient with a distal radius fracture acutely as well as at follow-up. ⋯ Additionally, CT is the imaging technique of choice for the correct diagnosis of subluxations of the distal radioulnar joint. Magnetic resonance imaging is an important diagnostic technique for the evaluation of suspected injuries of soft tissues related to distal radius fractures, such as to the flexor and extensor tendons or the median nerve, and for the early diagnosis of necrosis of the scaphoid or lunate. Other indications include identification of triangular fibrocartilage complex perforations, ruptures of carpal ligaments, and demonstration of contents of the carpal tunnel.