Preoperative Computed Tomography Scan in Distal Radius Fractures and the Effect on Preoperative Planning.

Purpose: It is unclear whether computed tomography (CT) scans alter the surgical plan when ordered before surgery for fixation of intra-articular distal radius fractures (DRFs). The purpose of this study was to determine whether a preoperative CT scan alters the planned approach (PA) or planned fixation strategy (PFS) for open reduction internal fixation of intra-articular DRFs.

Methods: Radiology records were retrospectively reviewed by one trauma surgeon and two hand surgeons for 33 intra-articular DRFs that met the inclusion criteria and previously underwent open reduction internal fixation.

Medicaid and Indigent Patients Experience Delayed Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures, Resulting in Worse Consequential Radiographic Outcomes.

Distal radius fractures are the most common upper extremity injury. Patients referred to safety-net tertiary facilities following a fracture experience significant delays in treatment because of financial and language barriers as well as poor access to care at outlying community hospitals. This delay in treatment can affect postoperative functional outcomes and complication rates because of failure to restore anatomic alignment.