Usefulness of the Oblique Radiographic View in Ankle Fractures

족근 관절 골절에서 사면상 단순 방사선 사진의 유용성

Purpose: To compare the radiographic evaluations between two radiographic views (AP and lateral views) and four radiographic views (AP, lateral and both oblique views) in ankle fractures. Materials and Methods: From January 2000 to June 2002, 60 cases of ankle fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation and its followed up periods were at least 2 years. All cases were classified into three groups according to the method of preoperative radiographic evaluation. Two radiographic views (AP and lateral views) were taken in group A and four radiographic views (AP, lateral and both oblique views) were taken in group B. 12 Cases were evaluated with three dimensional computed tomography (3D CT). Four radiographic views and 3D CT were taken in group C. All cases were classified according to the Danis-Weber and Lauge-Hansen classification. Displacement of fracture fragment of medial, lateral, posterior malleolus and size of fracture fragment of posterior malleous were measured using picture archiving communication system (PACS). Results: Although kappa value between two or four radiographic views were good or excellent in Danis-Weber classification and Lauge-Hansen classification of ankle fractures, the displacements of medial and lateral malleoli were statistically different. Four radiographic views evalulated the degree of displacement of medial and lateral fragments more accurately compared to two radiographic views. Conclusion: Four radiographic views will be more useful than two radiographic views to decide the method of treatment and operation considering the displacement of fracture fragment.