Occult Distal Radial Fractures

Abstract

The radiological diagnosis of distal radial fractures is usually easy, but some fractures without displacement cannot be detected at the first examination. In this retrospective study of 626 wrist injuries diagnosed as "wrist sprain" we found 39 distal radial fractures which were discovered only after repeated examinations. The incidence of distal radial fractures was much higher than other wrist fractures that were diagnosed after repeated examinations. Repeat standard four-view X-ray examination, as well as other imaging methods, are necessary to diagnose these fractures.

Distal radial torus fracture in an adult. A new type of occult wrist fracture?

“…Dóczi et al 5 reviewed 626 wrist injuries diagnosed as wrist sprain, 39 of which were distal radial fractures discovered only after repeated examinations, so they suggested that to repeat standard four-view X-ray examination and other imaging methods (magnetic resonance imaging, MRI), are necessary to diagnose these occult fractures. Bergh et al 6 suggested that wrist sprain should be defined as occult partial or complete soft tissue (ligament, tendon, muscle) or bony injury in relation to a trauma with negative X-ray and stated that MRI should be considered as a part of an early diagnosis.…”