Intraarticular lesions in distal fractures of the radius in young adults. A descriptive arthroscopic study in 50 patients.

We examined the frequency of associated chondral and ligament lesions in distal fractures of the radius in young adults (men 20-60 years, women 20-50 years). Fifty initially displaced fractures were examined arthroscopically. Chondral lesions were found in 16 patients (32%). All patients but one were found to have a ligamentous injury in the wrist. No major instability was found. The most frequent ligament tear was the triangular fibrocartilage complex in 39 cases (78%), with a statistical correlation to ulnar styloid fractures. The scapholunate ligament was partially or totally torn in 27 cases (54%). No correlation was found between specific fracture type and pattern of ligament injury. Chondral and ligamentous lesions were frequent and may explain poor outcomes after seemingly well-healed distal fractures of the radius. The ligament lesions should also be kept in mind when early mobilization of the distal fracture of the radius is considered.