Usefulness of Computed Tomography in Patients with Acute Malleolar Fracture / 대한족부족관절학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We compared plain radiographs with computed tomography (CT) images to evaluate the usefulness of preoperative CT in acute ankle malleolar fracture in terms of accuracy of diagnosis and planning of operative strategy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 210 cases of malleolar fracture treated at our institute for which plain radiograph and CT were obtained preoperatively. Observers had reviewed plain radiographs and recorded fracture classification, anatomical diagnosis, extent and configuration of fractures and then subsequently reviewed CT images. Records from each image were compared and information regarding the differences in fractures was assessed. RESULTS: Fractures were notably changed in appearance in 88 cases (41.9%) and diagnosis changed in 30 cases (14.3%). According to the change of diagnosis and fracture appearances, the operative strategy was changed in 15 cases (7.1%) including incision, order of reduction, and target of fixation. CONCLUSION: CT could be a useful adjunctive imaging tool in addition to the plain radiograph in planning of operative treatment for acute malleolar fracture in terms of estimating exact configuration, extent of fractures and even newly revealed hidden fractures.