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Articular fractures of the distal radius more likely between ligament attachments
Mandziak, D. J Hand Surg. 2011; doi:10.1016/j.jhsa.2011.07.014
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Researchers who reviewed 100 CT scans confirmed that distal radius fractures are statistically more likely to occur at the intervals between ligament attachments rather than at the attachments themselves.
Although the injury is common, “the correlation between ligament attachments and fracture location is poorly understood,” the authors wrote.
Researchers reviewed the scans performed at one institution between 2001 and 2008, plotting fracture line locations of the distal radius to a standardized distal radius template. They then statistically analyzed the relationship of fractures to known ligament attachments.
Findings showed common fracture sites to be at the center of the sigmoid notch, between the short and long radiolunate ligaments, and the central and ulnar aspects of the scaphoid fossa dorsally.
“The sites of the ligament attachments to the distal radius were relatively protected,” the authors wrote.