Radiographic evaluation of osseous displacement following intra-articular fractures of the distal radius: Reliability of plain radiography versus computed tomography

This study evaluated the reliability of plain radiography versus computed tomography (CT) for the measurement of small ( 2 mm, K = 0.21; step displacement > 2 mm, K = 0.21). Thirty percent of measurements from plain radiographs significantly underestimated or overestimated displacement compared to CT scan measurements. From these data, we conclude that CT scanning data, using the arc method of measurement, are more reliable for quantifying articular surface incongruities of the distal radius than are plain radiography measurements.