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Radiographic-anatomic correlation at different wrist articulations
W C Peh1, R M Patterson, S F Viegas
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
The Journal of Hand Surgery
|August 14, 1999
Summary
Plain radiographs have limited reliability in detecting wrist degenerative joint disease. Except for the radioscaphoid joint, radiographic findings did not significantly correlate with anatomic dissection in cadaveric wrists.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Anatomy
Background:
- Degenerative joint disease (DJD) is a common condition affecting wrist joints.
- Accurate assessment of DJD is crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning.
- The reliability of plain radiography in evaluating wrist DJD requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the reliability of plain radiographs in detecting degenerative changes in the radiocarpal, midcarpal, and carpometacarpal joints of the wrist.
- To compare radiographic findings with direct anatomic dissection in cadaveric specimens.
Main Methods:
- Review of radiographs from 52 fresh cadaveric wrists.
- Direct comparison of radiographic findings with anatomic dissection.
- Assessment of degenerative changes at three specific wrist joint levels.
Main Results:
- Radiographs showed significant correlation only for the radioscaphoid articulation.
- No significant correlation was found between radiographic and anatomic findings at the midcarpal and carpometacarpal joints.
- Overall, plain radiographs demonstrated limited reliability in assessing wrist DJD.
Conclusions:
- Plain radiographs are not entirely reliable for assessing degenerative joint disease in the wrist.
- Further imaging modalities may be necessary for comprehensive evaluation of wrist DJD.
- Radiographic assessment of wrist joint degeneration requires careful interpretation, especially at the midcarpal and carpometacarpal levels.