[Variability of the length and joint angle proportions of the distal radius].

The anatomical proportions of length and degree of joint-angles on the distal end of the radius and ulna show an wide variety in our population. 926 x-rays of "normal" and injured wrist-joints performed during 1984-89 were exactly measured and compared in respect to length and joint-angles of radius and ulna. Comparing the results with earlier reports in the literature it can be demonstrated that apparently there has been a remarkable change of the anatomical proportions in this region in the course of time and generations. The knowledge of the anatomical conditions is essential in acute traumatology as well as in corrections of posttraumatic wrist-deformities by osteotomy, bone grafting and internal fixation in regard to a posttraumatic restricted joint-function.