Radiographic Measurements of the Radio-Carpal Joint in Normal Adults

Abstract

Radiography of 60 normal wrists was performed in 50 adults to determine the inclination of the distal joint surface of the radius. The central ray was directed 10 degrees proximally in postero-anterior projection and 15 degree proximally in lateral projection. The values obtained were compared with those from perpendicular projections. No dfferences were found between the two p.a. projections. In the lateral projection with the central ray directed proximally the measuring points were better defined, resulting in significantly increased exactness of the measurement. The mean value for the volar inclination was 9 degrees in the latter projection.

Angle measurements of the distal radius: a cadaver study

“…The effect of forearm rotation on distal radius angle measurements has been investigated in two previous studies [1,3]. Friberg and Lundstrom [3] obtained conventional lateral and 15 ~ lateral radiographs at 5 ~ rotational increments from 10 ~ pronation to 10 ~ supination in 40 wrists with distal radius fractures.…”

“…A lateral radiograph with the X-ray beam directed 15 ~ cephalad was also made (Fig. 1) [2,3]. Radiographs were randomly labeled so observers could not tell which, if any, were related.…”

“…Lateral radiographs were taken at 5 ~ rotational increments from 20 ~ pronation to 20 ~ supination. Lateral views with the X-ray beam directed 15 ~ cephalad were also taken in each position [2,3]. Palmar tilt was measured on all radiographs and plotted as a function of forearm rotation.…”

Fractures of the distal forearm in young adults: An epidemiologic description of 341 patients

“…In the primary radiographs, we measured the dorsal and/or palmar angulation of the joint perpendicular to the axis of the proximal radius (Solgaard 1984(Solgaard , 1992 together with the radial length (Solgaard 1984(Solgaard , 1992 and the ulnar variance (Palmer et al 1982, Schuind et al 1992). The normal angle for palmar tilt is from 0" to palmar 22" (Friberg and Lundstrom 1976, Altissimi et al 1986, Solgaard 1984, 1992, Mann et al 1993, Metz and Gilula 1993 and therefore palmar angulation was defined as a palmar tilt that increased beyond palmar 22" or dorsal angulation if the joint surface was tilted dorsally over the zero level of the radius. Radial length less than 8 mm was considered pathological (normal radial length is 8-17 mm, Solgaard 1984Solgaard , 1992.…”

K-wire fixation for redislocated Colles' fractures Malunion in 8/21 cases

“…We used the following criteria, for good radiocarpal alignment which were con- Relative ulnar length (mm) 4 ( 3) 1 (2) 3 (2) a volar dislocation sidered to be physiological: a radiocarpal angle between 10" volarly or 10" dorsally, a radial inclination of 20"-30", and an ulnar variance of -2 to +3 mm (Friberg andLundstrom 1976, Steyers andBlair 1989). If at least 1 of the 3 radiological parameters was not in the physiological range, the result was considered a malunion.…”