• PURPOSE
    • It is unclear whether computed tomography (CT) scans alter the surgical plan when ordered before surgery for fixation of intra-articular distal radius fractures (DRFs). The purpose of this study was to determine whether a preoperative CT scan alters the planned approach (PA) or planned fixation strategy (PFS) for open reduction internal fixation of intra-articular DRFs.
  • METHODS
    • Radiology records were retrospectively reviewed by one trauma surgeon and two hand surgeons for 33 intra-articular DRFs that met the inclusion criteria and previously underwent open reduction internal fixation. Surgeons were initially provided only preoperative radiographs; they were asked for their PA and PFS. Three months later, each surgeon was provided with the same preoperative radiographs as well as a CT scan. They were asked for their PA and PFS and to grade the usefulness of CT for each fracture.
  • RESULTS
    • The overall probability of having the same PA and PFS between the two presentations was 70.6% and 70.9%, respectively. There was a significant difference in opinion on the usefulness of the CT scan among the surgeons (P < .001).
  • CONCLUSIONS
    • This study suggests that ordering a CT scan for preoperative planning of open reduction internal fixation for an intra-articular DRF does not affect the approach or fixation strategy in the majority of cases, regardless of how useful a CT scan was determined to be by the surgeon.
  • TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
    • Therapeutic IV.