An assessment of the accuracy of the Three Point Index in predicting the redisplacement of distal radial fractures in children

PurposeDistal metaphyseal radial fractures are common in the paediatric population and the management of these fractures is controversial. The incidence of re-displacement in the closed management of these fractures is as much as 30% in some studies. Various methods have been described with the view to predict fracture displacement of distal radial fractures in children. One of these indices is the three point index (TPI). This index seeks to assess the adequacy of 3 point moulding and thus predict fracture displacement. It is a calculated ratio that if above 0.8 states that there is an increased risk of fracture re-displacement. The purpose of this study is to assess the accuracy of this index in predicting displacement of distal radial fractures in children.MethodsThis retrospective study included 65 patients of both sexes under the age of 13 for a period of one year from January 2011 to January 2012. All patients with a dorsally displaced fracture of the distal radius were included. 22 patients were ex...