Assessment of the position of the distal portion of the ulna in lateral projection radiographs of the wrist: analysis of the influence of pronation-supination and flexion-extension on the pisoscaphoid and the ulnotriquetral distances: a cadaver study.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

Accurate assessment of the distal radioulnar joint is of paramount importance for the detection of possible dislocation or subluxation. Using a cadaveric model, the authors attempted to establish a quantitative method that would allow identification of normal and abnormal distal radioulnar joint anatomy on well-positioned and rotated conventional radiographs.

METHODS

Four cadaveric wrists, in which subsequent sectioning confirmed the absence of disease, and one cadaveric wrist with a circumscribed lesion of the triangular fibrocartilaginous complex were studied. Defined movements in flexion and extension (+/- 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees ) and in pronation and supination (+/- 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees ) as well as combined flexion/extension and pronation/supination were performed. The ulnotriquetral and the pisoscaphoid distances were assessed in each position. Correlation with cryosections was achieved.

RESULTS

A strong linear correlation between the degree of pronation or supination and the pisoscaphoid and ulnotriquetral distances was noted. Flexion and extension produced no significant effect on the pisoscaphoid distance, but a defined shift of the ulnotriquetral distance occurred with increasing flexion and extension.

CONCLUSIONS

If all parameters are taken into account, this correlation aids in estimating the degree of possible malpositioning of the wrist during radiography and the degree of subluxation of the distal radioulnar joint. Tabular data with parameters to correct for instances of malrotated images and to estimate the extent of dislocation or malrotation of the distal radioulnar joint are provided.