Aging and Ulnar Variance: Features of the Elbow Joint Affecting Positive Variance

Ageing Does Not Affect Ulnar Variance: An Investigation in Taiwan

“…Several cross-sectional studies report correlation between age and ulnar variance, based on single measurements of ulnar variance in normal subjects (Bozar et al, 1998; D’Hoore et al, 1994; Kristensen and Søballe, 1987; Kristensen et al, 1986; Nakamura et al, 1991, 1992; Sanderson et al, 1997). Kristensen and Søballe (1987) and Goto and Kobayashi (1992) also suggested that age-related narrowing of the radiohumeral joint permitted proximal migration of the radius and was responsible for the greater ulnar variance in older subjects. But the small difference in radiohumeral joint space between young and old subjects (0.43 mm) may be insufficient to explain the greater ulnar variance in the older subjects (0.69 mm) (Goto and Kobayashi, 1992).…”

“…Kristensen and Søballe (1987) and Goto and Kobayashi (1992) also suggested that age-related narrowing of the radiohumeral joint permitted proximal migration of the radius and was responsible for the greater ulnar variance in older subjects. But the small difference in radiohumeral joint space between young and old subjects (0.43 mm) may be insufficient to explain the greater ulnar variance in the older subjects (0.69 mm) (Goto and Kobayashi, 1992).…”

“…Several studies have confirmed Hultén’s observation that negative ulnar variance is associated with Kienböck’s disease (Chan and Huang, 1971; Chen, 2000; Chen and Shih, 1990; Gelberman et al, 1975; Hultén, 1928; Nakayama et al, 1992; Schuind et al, 1995). But others reported that the association lost its significance when the data were submitted to age-matched analysis (Bozar et al, 1998; Chung et al, 2001; D’Hoore et al, 1994; Goto and Kobayashi, 1992; Kristensen and Søballe, 1987; Kristensen et al, 1986; Nakayama et al, 1992, 1991; Sanderson et al, 1997; ). Our previous study of the ulnar variance of 1000 normal subjects and 18 patients with Kienböck’s disease (Chen and Shih, 1990) found an association between negative ulnar variance and Kienböck’s disease and we concluded that negative ulnar variance was a predisposing though not a causative factor in Kienböck’s disease.…”

“…Factors such as ethnic group, gender and age were reported to affect the ulnar variance (Chan and Huang, 1971; Chen, 2000; Chen and Shih, 1990; Gelberman et al, 1975; Hultén, 1928; Nakamura et al, 1991; Nakayama et al, 1992; Schuind et al, 1995; Schuurman et al, 2001). Several cross-sectional studies noted a correlation of age and ulnar variance, suggesting that ulnar variance increases with age (Bozar et al, 1998; Chung et al, 2001; D’Hoore et al, 1994; Goto and Kobayashi, 1992; Kristensen and Søballe, 1987; Kristensen et al, 1986; Nakayama et al, 1992, 1991; Sanderson et al, 1997). The purpose of our study was to examine the relationship between ulnar variance and age.…”