Imaging of four-corner fusion (SLAC arthrodesis) of the wrist with 64-slice computed tomography

Purpose: To find out whether it is possible to evaluate the healing of wrist arthrodesis, carried out with a metallic spider plate, by means of 64-slice computed tomography (CT). Material and Methods: 18 CT examinations were performed in 12 patients 2 weeks to 37 months following scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) arthrodesis fixed with a metallic plate. Ten patients also had plain films of the wrist. Radiation doses were estimated. Results: Plain films were difficult to evaluate due to overprojection of the spider plate. With 64-slice CT, however, it was possible to evaluate the healing process in all patients in spite of metallic artifacts. Radiation doses were low. Conclusion: The healing of SLAC arthrodesis of the wrist is difficult to evaluate with conventional radiography due to the metallic plate. By means of 64-slice CT, however, it was possible to "see under" the plate in all 12 patients.