Morphometry of Wrist in Korean Adults Using Plain Radiograph

Ahn, Jae In; Kim, Yeong Seong; Chung, Min Suk

Abstract

Currently, many techniques for the diagnosis of carpal disorders have been developed. Plain radiograph is the most simple and low-cost procedure that offers various information on the normal wrist. Nonetheless, a sufficient amount of morphometric database for Koreans has not been studied. In this study, the authors reviewed 100 cases of plain posteroanterior radiograph of the wrist in normal Korean adults for both sexes in order to establish normal databases. Various parameters were measured, and comparisons between the sexes, age groups, foreign databases and other domestic databases were made. The results were as follows. 1. In all measurements of the length and ratio except ulnar variance, there were significant differences between the sexes. But there was no significant difference between the sexes in angular measurements. No significant difference in measurements were found among the groups based on their age. 2. The average ulnar variance was 0.6 mm, and it was higher than Europeans and Americans. 3. The average carpal height ratio was 53.5% and significantly lower in females, but the revised carpal height ratio was higher. This means that the length of the capitate is shorter and the length of the third metacarpal bone is relatively longer in females, if the carpal height is constant. 4. The carpal-radial distance ratio, the carpal-ulnar distance ratio, and the carpal width-carpal height ratio were significantly lower in females. This means that the carpal width is relatively narrower in females. The authors hope that information concerning normal roentgenographic measurements of the wrist can help to diagnose the carpal disorders including the diseases appearing carpal collapse or carpal translation and to design wrist implants.