Computerized tomographic evaluation of acute distal radial fractures.

To learn whether computerized tomography offered additional useful information over conventional radiographic evaluation of acute distal radial fractures in the younger adult, we scanned 22 consecutive injured wrists. Of the distal radial fractures in 19 wrists, sixteen were defined on plain films as intra-articular. In contrast, computerized tomography demonstrated that all fractures of the distal radius had intra-articular extension. In 3 wrists interpreted as being normal on plain films, despite clinical suspicion of a fracture, fractures were confirmed by computerized tomography. As a result of computerized tomography, injuries were assigned a higher Frykman value in 5 cases, and consideration of alternative patient management became necessary in 5 of the 22 patients.