ABSTRACT
Background: Evaluation of the degree of carpal collapse using radiographic wrist indices is important in the management of wrist diseases. These indices vary in different population groups, hence, the need for population-specific normal references. This study aimed at assessing the carpal height ratio using wrist radiographs of adult Nigerian patients.Materials and Methods: This retrospective study assessed wrist radiographs stored in the Radiology department of Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, Nigeria, following institutional approval. Apparently normal unpaired wrist radiographs of 135 adults (54 males and 81 females) were used to assess the 3rd metacarpal length, carpal height and capitate length which were used to calculate the carpal height ratio (CHR) and revised carpal height ratio (CHRr). Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 was used to analyze these quantitative variables. Independent t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to probe for differences in gender groups and 10 years' age-groups respectively. Significance was considered at p<0.05. Results: The mean carpal height, capitate length and length of the 3rd metacarpal was 31.77 mm, 23.34 mm and 67.34 mm respectively. The mean CHR and CHRr was 0.47±0.04 and 1.36±0.07 correspondingly. All variables except CHRr were significantly larger in males than in females (p<0.05). All the parameters had no significant association with the age-groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: The CHR and CHRr in this study were lower than reports from other population groups. This study provides a reference database for our studied population to aid in accurate diagnosis and effective management of carpal collapse.