Analysis of the fracture line distribution of distal radius fractures

Abstract

Objective To study the general distribution of fracture lines in distal radius fractures (DRFs). Methods Computed tomography scans from 50 patients with DRFs were included in this study. The DICOM data of all patients were analyzed using Mimics 20.0 software, and the bone blocks were marked with different colors after the surrounding related bones were removed. After reduction of the fracture, 3-matic software was used to plot 50 fracture lines on the same standardized bone structure of the distal radius. Finally, a heat map was developed based on the frequency of the fracture lines. Results Although the fracture lines varied widely in DRFs, most fracture lines were regularly distributed. In the metaphyseal region of the distal radius, the width of the ring was 4.52 mm, and the ring was located in the region of primary epiphyseal cartilage development below the watershed. Fractures below the annular band were occasional. The distribution of volar fracture lines above the annular band was significantly less than that of dorsal fracture lines, which was more concentrated in the area around the Lister tubercle and more involved in the distal radioulnar joint. Conclusion The fracture lines were regularly distributed in the distal radius with a ring-shaped high-incidence zone.