[Quantitative evaluation of Colles' fracture by Multislice CT multiplanner reconstruction: a feasibility study]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Colles' fracture is a common distal radius fracture requiring accurate assessment.
• Traditional X-ray imaging may have limitations in fully characterizing fracture displacement and articular involvement.
• Multislice CT (MSCT) with multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) offers advanced visualization capabilities for complex fractures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and reliability of quantitative Colles' fracture assessment using MSCT-MPR.
• To compare the reliability of measurements obtained from MSCT-MPR versus standard X-ray.

Main Methods:

• 36 patients with Colles' fracture underwent X-ray and MSCT scans within 2 days of injury.
• Key parameters (dorsal intercalation depth, palmar angle, articular surface collapse) were measured twice by an independent physician.
• Measurements were taken from both X-ray and MSCT-MPR images, with a 2-week interval between assessments.

Main Results:

• MSCT-MPR allowed measurement of fracture parameters in a higher proportion of cases compared to X-ray.
• Repeated measurements on MSCT-MPR showed high intra-observer reliability for most parameters (r=0.642-0.954), with statistical significance only for dislocation degree.
• X-ray measurements demonstrated lower reliability and significant differences between repeated assessments (r=0.345-0.681).

Conclusions:

• MSCT-MPR is a feasible and reliable tool for quantitative evaluation of Colles' fractures.
• The technique provides more consistent and reliable measurements compared to standard X-ray.
• Repeated measurements using MSCT-MPR enhance the reliability of quantitative fracture assessment.