Radiologic Assessment of Angular Wrist Parameters of Asymptomatic Nigerians

Abstract

Background: Radiographic techniques has availed anatomists the opportunity to study human bony structure in-vivo. Normative data can assist in defining and quantifying abnormalities. This study was carried out to establish normal angular wrist dimensions of adult Nigerians. Methods: A total of 100 standard lateral wrist x-rays were obtained from 50 (26 males [52%] and 24 females [48%]) adult Nigerians. Three (3) angular dimensions; radial tilt, capitolunate angle, and scapholunate angle were measured. Data were analysed using XLSTAT (Addinsoft Version 2015.4.01.21575). Student and paired sample t-test were used to evaluate sex, and side differences respectively. P<0.05 (at 95% confidence level) was taken to be significant. Results: The mean values for the measured angular parameters were as follows; right and left radial tilt (R&L-RT) = 14.06±2.46º, capitolunate angle (CLA) [R=17.48±1.72º, L=17.67±1.67º] and scapholunate angle (SLA) [R=43.70±3.60º, L=45.10±3.44º]. The radial tilt was observed to be identical in the left and right wrists, while the capitolunate and scapholunate angle were observed to be asymmetrical, with the left significantly greater than the right (P<0.01). All right and left wrist parameters were significant inter-predictors (r>0.75; P<0.01), while only the R & L-RT correlated with R-CLA (r>0.302; P<0.033) and L-CLA (r>0.347; P<0.013). Conclusion: It could be concluded that there was no sex difference in angular wrist parameters and asymmetry was observed. The variation in the arrangement of wrist bones in both hands could be associated with mechanical impact as a result of use and this must be taken into consideration when evaluating unilateral wrist diseases.