intra-articular fracture
Pronunciation: IN-trah-ar-TIK-yuh-lar
Fracture extending into a joint surface, potentially affecting joint mechanics and function.
Full Definition
An intra-articular fracture is a fracture that extends through the joint surface, involving the articular cartilage and potentially disrupting normal joint mechanics. These fractures are particularly concerning because they can lead to post-traumatic arthritis, joint incongruity, and persistent pain if not properly reduced and stabilized. Common examples include distal radius fractures involving the radiocarpal joint, tibial plateau fractures affecting the knee joint, and calcaneal fractures involving the subtalar joint. Treatment typically requires anatomical reduction to restore joint congruity and early mobilization to prevent stiffness.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate 'intra-articular' as adjective. Emphasize implications for joint function and long-term outcomes in clinical contexts.
In Context
- "CT scan revealed an intra-articular fracture with 3mm of step-off at the joint surface." — Radiology interpretation
- "The intra-articular distal radius fracture required ORIF to restore joint congruity." — Treatment plan