Four-Dimensional Computed Tomography to measure distal radial-ulnar and radio-carpal joint congruency following distal radius fractures.

Four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) allows for the assessment of the wrist contact mechanics and kinematics during motion. The purpose of this study was to employ 4DCT to measure the differences in joint surface area (JSA) (3D joint space) at the radioscaphoid, radiolunate, and distal radioulnar joints between a cohort of participants with a distal radius fracture (DRF) and an age-matched cohort of healthy participants. Our results indicated that following a DRF, there was a 20% decrease in JSA at the DRUJ when compared to the healthy (control) cohort. This study demonstrated the use of a non-invasive tool to examine wrist contact mechanics.