Motion analysis in two dimensions of radial-ulnar deviation of type I versus type II lunates

The motions of 2 different types of lunate (type I, no medial hamate facet; type II, medial hamate facet) were evaluated and compared during radial-ulnar deviation of the wrist using radiography and magnetic resonance imaging. Ten right wrists (5 type I and 5 type II lunates) were studied using posteroanterior and lateral x-rays. Six of the 10 normal volunteers (3 type I and 3 type II lunates) were studied using magnetic resonance imaging in 6 positions of radial-ulnar deviation. In the radiographic study the ulnar shift ratio of the lunate (USR), the shortest distance between the proximal ulnar tip of the lunate and the distal ulnar edge of the sigmoid notch of the radius (R-L), the closest distance between the distal ulnar tip of the lunate and the proximal pole of the hamate (L-H), the radius of curvature of the proximal head of the capitate (Cr) on posteroanterior view, and the radiolunate angle on lateral view were measured in each wrist in each of the 6 positions. There were statistically significant differences between type I and II lunates with regard to average maximum ulnar deviation of USR and R-L, total change of USR, R-L distance and L-H distance, average L-H distance and Cr distance in all positions, and average radiolunate angle in neutral and 15 degrees ulnar deviation. In the magnetic resonance imaging study the wrists with a type I lunate did not have contact between the lunate and hamate in any position; the wrists with a type II lunate did have contact between the hamate and the lunate, but only in ulnar deviation. The results of this study demonstrate that the kinematics of a type I lunate are different from those of a type II lunate during radial-ulnar deviation of the wrist.