Correlation of the radial inclination angle in the distal part of the radius with the volar cortical angle and age-related changes of these angles

Abstract

Background/Aim. The radial inclination (RI) and volar cortical (VC) angle values used in the treatment of radial distal end fractures may vary depending on factors such as the age and sex of the patient. This puts up the question of how compatible can be the standard anatomical plates, which are frequently used in surgical treatment of these fractures. This study was aimed to evaluate VC and RI angles depending on age and gender of subjects and to determine the correlation between these two angles. Methods. A total of 121 individuals, 59 females and 62 male, adolescents and adults aged between 10-65 yrs, were included in the study. The individuals were divided into two groups: a group of 60 adolescents (31 female,29 males), the age was 10- 20 yrs, and a group of 61 adults (28 females,33 males) aged 20-65 yrs. The subjects were also evaluated between themselves, independently, within each age group. Radiographic images were evaluated by using the 3.0.1.55 version of the KarPacsViewer application. Measurement points were determined, and angles between these points were measured. Statistical analyzes were made using the SPSS 15.0 program. Results. When the correlation for 121 individuals was assessed independently of their sex, no statistically significant relationship was found between RI angle and age (p=0.616; r=-0.046). A statistically negative (or opposite) relationship was found between VC angle and age (p<0.001; r=-0.396). When women and men were compared in terms of RI and VC angles, no statistically significant difference was found (p=0.958; p=0,165, respectively). VC angle decreased as the age increased in females (p = 0.004; r=-0.365), while both the RI and VC angles decreased with increasing age in males ( p= 0.032, r=-0,273; p<0.0001, r=-0,445, respectively). Conclusion. In conclusion, our findings regarding RI and VC angles offer an advantage in terms of determining which plate designs are most appropriate in planning surgical procedures and treatment processes.