Morphometric Variations in the Volar Aspect of the Distal Radius

BACKGROUND: Significant discrepancy exists between anatomical plate designs and the anatomy of the native distal radius, which may be attributable to considerable morphometric variations in the volar aspect of the distal radius. We aimed to evaluate the degree of variability in the morphometry of the distal radius and identify factors associated with this variability. METHODS: We measured the volar surface angle (VSA) of the intermediate and lateral columns and the volar surface width (VSW) in the distal radius from three-dimensional computed tomography scans acquired from 81 cadaveric forearms. These morphometric parameters were compared between the lateral and intermediate columns, between males and females, and between Koreans and Caucasians. Caucasian morphometric data were obtained and pooled from the previous studies. The coefficient of variation was used to assess the variability of the parameters and Cohen's d to estimate the effect size of the difference between groups. RESULTS: The average VSA of the lateral column was 22°± 6°, and that of the intermediate column was 29°± 8° in Koreans (p < 0.001). The variability was high for both VSAs. The VSA of the intermediate column was significantly larger in males than in females (p < 0.001) and in Caucasians than in Koreans (p < 0.001). The average VSW of distal radius was 30 ± 3 mm at the watershed line, and it became narrower proximally. The VSW was significantly larger in males than in females (p < 0.001) and in Koreans than in Caucasians (p < 0.001). The effect sizes of the difference for the VSA and VSW between sexes, races and columns were medium to large. CONCLUSIONS: Considerable variability exists in the morphometry of the volar distal radius, with sex, race, and column as contributing factors. These results suggest that surgeons should carefully choose an anatomical volar locking plate with appropriate angulation characteristics for each patient to achieve patient-specific alignment of the distal radius.

Research Support Programs of the National Research Foundation of Korea

STUDY DESIGN: Literature review. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to present updated information on the research support programs offered by the National Research Foundation of Korea. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: The research support programs offered by the National Research Foundation of Korea are an important cornerstone for obtaining other grants from the government and commercial companies. However, no information has yet been provided in the literature about these programs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Review of the relevant literature. RESULTS: The research support programs offered by the National Research Foundation of Korea are complex. However, it is possible to find appropriate grants. It is necessary to focus on the individual basic research program. CONCLUSIONS: Novel proposals have a greater chance of receiving funding, especially if the appropriate background and preliminary data are provided.