Three-dimensional CT imaging for wrist disorders.

Three-dimensional CT imaging of the wrist was performed in 20 patients: three with Kienböck's disease, 14 with fractures or dislocations of the carpal bones, two with dislocation of the distal radio-ulnar joint and one with an intra-articular fracture of distal radius. These images were compared with those of plain radiographs and computed tomography. With the exception of two cases of distal radio-ulnar joint dislocation and one case of hamate body fracture, three-dimensional CT imaging was helpful in detecting the displacement of the fracture and in determining the location and the direction of the displaced carpal bone. Furthermore, the presence of small fragments could be observed more easily in the three-dimensional CT image. Three-dimensional CT imaging provides a great deal of information that cannot be obtained by conventional radiographs or CT images even at their present stage of technical development.