4 Dimensional - Impairment of Posttraumatic Forearm Rotation Evaluated With Computed Tomography

Forearm and wrist fractures are the most common of all fractures and mostly occur at the distal end of the radius. Distal radius fractures are associated with posttraumatic sequelae, which typically involve restricted forearm rotation. Diagnostics of dynamic traumatic pathologies are conventionally based on static (2D or 3D) imaging protocols using MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT. However, interpretation of indirect suggestive findings - such as edema or abnormal bone positions - limits accuracy and inter-observer reliability. Dynamic 4D imaging (adding the fourth dimension of time) has the potential to discriminate whether forearm rotation deficit is due to an osseous deformity causing bony impingement or whether it is due to non-osseous pathology. Hence it may reduce unnecessary corrective osteotomies and guide the patient and surgeon towards the most effective surgical or conservative treatment choice - expectedly resulting in better outcomes and patient satisfaction. In addition, we aim to develop a classification based on the estimated motion patterns and assess its reliability. Furthermore we aim at acquiring knowledge of physiological mechanics of the radioulnar joint and to assess symmetry in radioulnar joint motions between two healthy forearms on 4D-CT-scans.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients with a one-sided posttraumatic impairment of forearm pro- and/or supination at least 3 months after injury
• Patients are above 18 years
• Patients who are willing to give informed consent
• National health insurance cover

Exclusion criteria

• A history of trauma to both forearms
• Any shoulder pathology or impairment preventing forward elevation of the arm as required during the scanning protocol
• Neuromuscular pathology
• Not able to understand or give informed consent
• Pregnancy (βHCG positive), breast-feeding or the absence of effective contraception for women of child-bearing age
• Legal incapacity (persons in custody or under guardianship)
• Deprived of liberty Subject (by judicial or administrative decision)