Intraarticular Lesions in Distal Fractures of the Radius in Young Adults

Abstract

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.