The long-term effects of force-transmission in an injured wrist, measured with dual-energy X-ray absorphometry - A case report

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility of using a dual-energy X-ray absorp hometry (DEXA) scan to predict long-term force-transmission patterns in wri sts. Material and Methods: Both wrists of a man with morbid Kienbock stage IIIa disease of his left wrist (avascular necrosis of the lunate) were examined by a DEXA scan to determine the differences in bone density in the distal r adius, Results: In the distal radius of the injured wrist, a shift in bone density was seen toward the scaphoid fossa, which resembles the shift in force-tra nsmission pattern described in force-transmission studies of the wrist. Conclusions: These differences can be interpreted as a result of an altered force-transmission pattern in the injured wrist.