Measurement of carpal bone geometry by computer analysis of three-dimensional CT images.

The aim of this project was noninvasively to analyze and quantitate the geometry, load transfer characteristics, and spatial relationships of the carpal bones by using a new three-dimensional CT scan reconstruction technique. The determination of mechanical parameters such as distances between centroids and between bone surfaces, carpal alignment, volumes, surface areas, and contact areas can provide the basis for comparison between normal wrists and wrists with a variety of progressive instability patterns, types of fracture, pathologic and posttraumatic states, and different simulated surgical procedures. This new technology has demonstrated a volumetric accuracy of 94% and a linear accuracy of 97%. Simultaneous analysis of all articulating surfaces of multiple joints can be performed in cadavers and in patients because of the noninvasive nature of the imaging reconstruction technique. This new research offers much more information than has previously been available. It also promises direct application to the clinical setting and eliminates several limitations and questions that were inescapable with previous technology.