A Study Of Morphology And Morphometry Of Proximal End Of Dry Radius Bones With Its Clinical Implications

ABSTRACT

Background: Fracture of the radial head constitute 1/3rd of all the elbow fractures. It occurs as a result of a fall onan outstretched hand or a direct blow to the lateral aspect of elbow joint. This is now becoming more commondue to pre existing co-morbidities like osteoporosis and chronic osteoarthritis. Surgical correction of thecomminuted fractures of radial head involves reconstruction or replacement with artificial radial head prosthesisin cases where reconstruction is not possible.Aims and Objectives: To analyze the morphometric details of proximal end of radius and to describe themorphological features of head and bicipital tuberosity of the radius.Materials & Methodology: Sixty dry human adult radius bones of unknown age and sex were assessed formorphometric and morphological characters. Vernier caliper was used to measure the various parameters onthe proximal ends of radius bones. The data was tabulated and analyzed using SPSS software.Results: The mean length of radius was found to be 23.98 cm. Antero-posterior diameter and transverse diameterof head was 2.01 cm and 1.98 cm respectively. The height of radial head at medial end, height of radial head atlateral end, depth of articular facet and radial head circumference were 0.91 cm ,0.73 cm, 2.91 cm, 4.78 cmrespectively. The length of neck of the radius, diameter of proximal end of neck of radius, diameter of distal endof neck of radius was 1.28 cm , 1.37 cm , 1.32 cm respectively. The width of bicipital tuberocity, length of bicipitaltuberocity were 1.21 cm, 2.29 cm respectively.Conclusions: Fractures of radial head and neck are more common. Surgical management of displaced andcomminuted radial head fractures needs replacement with radial head prosthesis when reconstruction is notindicated. The results of our study are important in making anatomically and biomechanically suitable radialhead prosthesis