Purpose
Anthropometric assessment of bony structures in the body is important for preoperative
computer-aided surgery, implant design, finite element modeling, and biomechanical
studies investigating joint structure and function. The use of the contralateral limb
in surgery and clinical practice relies on the assumption that the right and left
limbs of an individual are symmetric. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to
quantify the bilateral symmetry of the bony structures of the distal radius using
3-dimensional (3D) computed tomography.
Methods
We collected computed tomography images of 37 paired, fresh-frozen, healthy cadaveric
male upper limbs (aged 75.4 ± 8.3 years). Three-dimensional reconstructed models were
created using semiautomatic segmentation. Using the 3D models, we measured 3D radial
inclination, 3D volar tilt, 3D radial height, medial volar cortical angle, middle
volar cortical angle, and lateral volar cortical angle and compared them between sides.
Results
There were no statistically significant differences measured between right and left
distal radius in 37 paired wrists. Mean radial height was 12.81 mm (SD, 1.74 mm) on
the left and 12.88 mm (SD, 1.72 mm) on the right. Mean volar tilt was 10.74° (SD,
3.74°) and 10.77° (SD, 3.19°) and radial inclination was 24.05° (SD, 2.63°) and 24.18°
(SD, 3.41°) on the left and right, respectively. Mean volar cortical angle across
the radius was 140.9° (SD, 7.9°) on the left and 140.1° (SD, 7.9°) on the right.
Conclusions
Direct bilateral comparison of the distal radius and wrist joints is useful to predict
normal anatomy of the injured radius, because bilateral similarities exist.
Clinical relevance
This article provides a comprehensive list of measurements of the distal radius compared
bilaterally using a 3D model. From this study, we found that the contralateral radius
can be used as a benchmark with which to compare fracture reduction and to manage
malunions during the preoperative planning of corrective osteotomies. It can also
be used to define normal anatomy.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 13, 2019
Accepted:
May 31,
2019
Received:
May 2,
2018
Footnotes
No benefits in any form have been received or will be received related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.
Identification
Copyright
© 2019 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. All rights reserved.
