Multimodality Imaging in Wrist Fractures and Dislocations.

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Radiology
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Wrist fractures and dislocations are common emergency department presentations.
• These injuries can lead to significant long-term disability if not properly managed.
• Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and patient recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review normal wrist anatomy and imaging findings.
• To describe common fracture and dislocation patterns in the emergency department.
• To highlight the role of advanced imaging in wrist injury management.

Main Methods:

• Review of normal wrist anatomy.
• Discussion of conventional radiography findings.
• Emphasis on computed tomography (CT) with 3D and multiplanar reformatting for bony injury assessment.

Main Results:

• Conventional radiography is the initial imaging modality for wrist injuries.
• Computed tomography provides detailed evaluation of bony structures.
• Advanced imaging aids orthopaedic surgeons in surgical planning.

Conclusions:

• Imaging is vital for evaluating wrist fractures and dislocations.
• Computed tomography is particularly useful for complex bony injuries.
• Comprehensive imaging review assists in optimal surgical planning and patient management.