Radiologıcal Evaluation of Volar Cortical Angle in the Anatolian Population

Abstract

Distal radius fractures are the most common fractures of the upper limb. The most commonly used method in the repair of these fractures is volar locking plates. Recently, the frequency of removal of volar locking plates after surgery has increased. There are many factors in its reduction. Anatomically, incompatibility of the distal end of the radius with volar locking plates is one of them. In previous studies, different volar cortical angle (VCA) values were found in other races. For this reason, this study aimed to determine the mean values by making VCA measurements of the Anatolian population. The study was designed retrospectively. In the study, measurements were made on computed tomography (CT) images of the distal end of the radius of 53 men and 28 women. Radial width, intermediate volar angle, and radial volar angle were measured in the images. On average, the radius width was 23.35±1.96 mm, and the intermediate volar angle was 26.02±.3.83°, radial volar angle was 24±3.07°. Radial width, intermediate volar angle, and radial volar angle differed significantly by gender (p<0.001). A significant correlation was found between radius width, intermediate volar angle, and radial volar angle values (p<0.001). It has been determined that the Anatolian population has a different VCA value than the European, Asian, and other populations. When using volar locking plates in distal radius fracture surgery, volar locking plates should be selected by considering the average values of the races.