Computed Tomography vs Computer Modeling for Comparison and Evaluation of Anatomical Features of the Radial Head

Background. The generally accepted method of treating complex radial head fractures is arthroplasty. At the present stage, there is a variety of prosthetic designs, in production of which statistically averaged morphometric parameters are used. The anthropometric features of patients are not taken into account. The aim of the study — to compare the morphometric parameters of the proximal radius obtained using computed tomography and computer modeling. Methods. The study used the radiological method of examination and the computer modeling method. The study material was a database of DICOM format computer tomograms of the right and left elbow joints of 137 people (66 males, 71 females). Their age ranged from 40 to 70 years, without signs of musculoskeletal system pathology. Computer tomograms were analyzed using the RadiAnt DICOM Viewer program. Computer modeling was carried out through the ITK-SNAP program (GNU General Public License version 3.0 — GPLv3), with further processing of the obtained model using the developed software method. Results. Comparison of the morphometric parameters of the radial head obtained using the developed computer modeling program and the morphometric parameters of a standard computed tomogram showed their identity. Conclusion. The presented software program “Automated determination of bone morphometric parameters” will enable to model the radial head prosthesis on the basis of indicators of computer tomograms, taking into account the individual structural features of the patient’s radius.