The anatomy of the proximal radius: implications on fracture implant design.
BACKGROUND
The proximal radius features a complex anatomy. Several studies have been published on the anatomy using different technical approaches; however, most of these studies were conducted with a special focus on parameters relevant to radial prosthetic design. The purpose of our study was to explore the complex geometry of the proximal radius with regard to fracture implant design.


METHODS
Our computed tomography-based measurements of 78 multiplanar reformatted radii allow for exact assessment of its geometry and offer a scientific rationale towards the design of fracture implants. We conducted measurements on the radial head, the radial neck, the radial tuberosity, the radial head-to-neck angle, and the safe zone.


RESULTS
A wide range of normal anatomy has been demonstrated for all parameters. Sex differences are statistically significant in all registered parameters, except the radial head-to-neck angle. Although measurements of maximum vs minimum radial head, neck, and tuberosity diameters show close correlation, diameter-to-length correlations, such as radial head diameter vs radial head height and radial neck diameter vs radial neck length, are low.


CONCLUSIONS
Besides the wide range in size, intraindividual parameter variations have to be taken into account in the design of anatomically precontoured plates. The results of this study indicate that these plates will still need to offer the ability of "bend to match."
Department of Trauma Surgery, Center for Musculoskeletal Surgery, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany. sebastian.kuhn@unimedizin-mainz.de
Sebastian
S
Kuhn
Klaus J
KJ
Burkhart
Jens
J
Schneider
Barbara K
BK
Muelbert
Frank
F
Hartmann
Lars P
LP
Mueller
Pol M
PM
Rommens
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D058569:Elbow Prosthesis; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011884:Radius / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000293:injuries*; D055815:Young Adult; D000092464:Elbow Injuries