Radiological Evaluation of the Distal Radius Indices in Adult Indian Population

Sample size calculation (Fisher's formula):Where "n" is the sample size, the value of Z is set to 1.96, which represents the level of errors of 5% (95% level of confidence), "p" denotes the prevalence of the disease in the given population-here prevalence is taken as 8%-"D" is the margin of error (5%).So, after putting the values, Z = 1.96, p = 0.08, D = 0.05, therefore, sample size came to be 114 patients.Henceforth, we included 114 patients, and simple random sampling technique was used.About 14 patients were excluded from the study due to various reasons.The radiographs were taken using standard radiographic protocol.Only posteroanterior (PA) and lateral view wrist radiographs were considered in the study.The films which were not centered or were rotated were excluded IntroductIonDistal part of radius fractured in almost 15% cases of upper extremity trauma. 1 It is important to know the morphometrical indices of the distal part of the radius to understand the fracture pattern, treatment guidance, plate design, and biomechanics.Plain radiography is commonly used for the assessment of the wrist joint.It is a simple, widely available, and inexpensive imaging technique.It provides idea about the complete anatomy, alignment, and relationships of bones. 2 But errors in magnification and projection are the limitation of plain radiographical images. 2 These drawbacks can be minimized by using various radiographical indices which provide information regarding morphology of the wrist joint. 3Morphometry of the distal part of the radius usually described by using four parameters-these are height of radius, inclination of radius, variance of ulna, and palmar tilt. 4In their experimental cadaveric study, Short et al. described the importance of these indices and their role in the close reduction and management of the fracture of the distal part of the radius. [5][6]6][7][8] Depending on several factors, these indices may also vary like ethnicity, age, sex, etc.Therefore, we planned this study to assess reference range and values of these radiological indices of wrist for South Indians. 9 MaterIals a n d MethodsPresent retrospective study performed in a tertiary health center in Bengaluru, India, from January to June 2024.Plain radiographical images of patients with complaints in the wrist joint, came to the outpatient department (OPD) of orthopedics, were assessed.