Normal Ranges of Ulnar and Radial Deviation with Reference to Ulnar Variance

Abstract

We aimed to determine the normal ranges of radial and ulnar deviation of the wrist in relation to the ulnar variance. A total of 102 healthy subjects (204 wrists) were included in the study. The ranges of radial and ulnar deviation of the wrists were measured using a universal goniometer. Ulnar variance was assessed manually or radiographically, and recorded as ulna minus, ulna plus or ulna minus/plus. When the ranges of radial and ulnar deviation were compared with ulnar variance, ulnar deviation was greater in ulna minus subjects and radial deviation was greater in ulna minus/plus subjects. There was no significant difference in the total range of radio-ulnar deviation. The results of this study indicate that ulnar deviation is greater in ulna minus wrists, and we suggest that ulnar variance should be recorded alongside measurements of radial and ulnar deviation.

Reliability of Goniometric Measurements of Flexion in Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients: with Special Reference to the Body Position

“…Goniometers also allow patients to appreciate their own progress and achievements 13) . However, it has been suggested by some observers that the position of the patient significantly contributes to the measurement error 8,10,[13][14][15]17,18) .…”

“…The inconsistencies are partially due to inter-tester differences in measurements technique, including differences in patient and goniometric positioning 11,[14][15][16][17][18] . Also a particular patient may be difficult to assess for specific technical reasons 11) or therapists may use different patient positions for measuring the same joints 11,17) and several studies have revealed that the position of the patient results in significant differences in the outcome measures 8,10,[13][14][15]17,18) .…”

“…The goniometric measurement of knee joint ROM is used in everyday clinical practice to determine the degree of increase of continuous passive motion 7) . Also, measurements of the range of joints are commonly recorded in patients' medical records, as they are considered to be acceptable clinical data for the evaluation of impairment [8][9][10] .…”

Letter to the Editor

“…However, in uncertain cases, we performed measurements on radiographs (n = 13). 1 As for the technique, it was not new, so there was no need for reliability or validity studies. In our study, we found 58% of the subjects with ulna minus and 42% with ulna minus/plus wrist.…”

“…Three techniques for ulnar variance measurements have mainly been described in the scientific literature, all of which can be performed on postero-anterior wrist radiograms. 3,4 I have three concerns regarding the study of Unver et al 1 First, the technique they described has not been described in any other study or literature. Is there any reference in the scientific literature about the palpating method for determining ulnar variance?…”