Clinical Utility of 3-Dimensional Reconstruction Images to Predict Conservative Treatment Outcomes of Intra-Articular Distal Radius Fractures

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional (3D) images can provide additional information on bone fractures, especially in patients with intra-articular distal radius fractures (DRFs). We aimed to identify possible risk factors for adverse outcomes using a 3D reconstruction technique. MATERIAL/METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed adult patients who underwent plaster immobilization with or without closed reduction for DRFs in our hospital between February 2016 and May 2019. The 3D reconstruction image of DRFs was viewed from multiple angles to determine the existence of gaps or steps. Then, a semiquantitative standard was used to assess the severity of fracture. The patients’ basic data and radiographic data were collected, and multiple linear regression analyses were used to identify possible risk factors associated with adverse outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 89 cases were analyzed in our study. There were 28, 39, and 22 patients with level 1, 2, or 3 fractures, respectively, based on the semiquantitative standard. In a multiple linear regression, preoperative severity degree (β, 0.393; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.260–0.526) and postoperative rehabilitation exercise (β, 0.352; 95% CI, 0.023–0.681) were associated with the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Our study presents a new method based on 3D reconstruction images to assess the severity of intra-articular DRFs. Patients who were identified as having severe fractures based on this method were found to have worse functional outcome.