The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Vol 74, Issue 9 1418-1429, Copyright © 1992 by Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc
A normal data base of posteroanterior roentgenographic measurements of the wrist
FA Schuind, RL Linscheid, KN An and EY Chao
Department of Orthopedics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905.
In 120 adults, we measured the dominant wrist on posteroanterior
roentgenograms in order to determine the normal dimensions and variations
according to age and sex. Men and women were equally represented as were
two age-groups (twenty-five to forty years and forty-one to sixty years).
The roentgenograms were made, with standard exposure and development
techniques, with the wrist and forearm in a neutral position and the x-ray
tube aligned vertical to the radial styloid. The roentgenogram that was
made with the wrist in the mid-coronal plane was digitized and was used to
measure distances between specified landmarks. The mean ulnar variance was
-0.9 millimeter (normal range, -4.2 to 2.3 millimeters). The average carpal
height ratio was 53 per cent (normal range, 46 to 61 per cent). The mean
radial inclination was 24 degrees (range, 19 to 29 degrees). The
carpal-radial and carpal-ulnar ratios were smaller in women. The width of
the distal radio-ulnar joint was reduced in the older subjects. There was a
significant positive relationship (p < 0.0001) between the maximum force
reached and the length of the third metacarpal. We believe that information
concerning the normal roentgenographic measurements and relationship
between the bones of the wrist can be used (1) to follow the progression of
carpal instabilities, osteonecrosis, osteoarthrosis, or rheumatoid
arthritis; (2) in clinical research; and (3) in the design of wrist
implants.
CiteULike 
Connotea 
Del.icio.us 
Technorati What's this?
