Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026

06:40
Screening of Axonal Degeneration in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Using Ultrasonography and Nerve Conduction Studies
Published on: January 11, 2019
Normal ranges of ulnar and radial deviation with reference to ulnar variance
The Journal of International Medical Research
|June 4, 2004
Summary
Wrist deviation ranges differ based on ulnar variance. Ulnar deviation is greater in ulna minus wrists, while radial deviation is greater in ulna minus/plus wrists. Ulnar variance should be noted with wrist deviation measurements.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Biomechanics
- Anatomy
Background:
- Ulnar variance, the relative length of the ulna and radius at the wrist, can influence wrist biomechanics.
- Understanding normal ranges of wrist motion in relation to ulnar variance is crucial for diagnosing and managing wrist conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the normal ranges of radial and ulnar deviation of the wrist.
- To investigate the relationship between these ranges of motion and different types of ulnar variance.
Main Methods:
- 102 healthy subjects (204 wrists) were analyzed.
- Wrist radial and ulnar deviation were measured using a universal goniometer.
- Ulnar variance was assessed manually or radiographically and categorized (ulna minus, ulna plus, ulna minus/plus).
Main Results:
- Ulnar deviation was significantly greater in subjects with ulna minus variance.
- Radial deviation was significantly greater in subjects with ulna minus/plus variance.
- No significant difference was found in the total range of radio-ulnar deviation between groups.
Conclusions:
- Ulnar variance influences the specific ranges of radial and ulnar deviation.
- It is recommended to record ulnar variance alongside measurements of radial and ulnar deviation for a comprehensive assessment.
- These findings contribute to a better understanding of normal wrist biomechanics.
Related Concept Videos
Variation: Normal Distribution, Range, and Standard Deviation
In the field of psychology, there are several ways to organize measurements of a trait, feature, or characteristic (i.e., variables). Qualitative data, such as ethnicity, can be tabulated into a frequency count to provide information about the proportion, as well as the variety of groups in a sample or population. On the other hand, researchers can perform a wider set of calculations on quantitative data. The mean, mode, and median, for instance, are central tendency measures to identify a...
Variance
The deviations show how spread out the data are about the mean. A positive deviation occurs when the data value exceeds the mean, whereas a negative deviation occurs when the data value is less than the mean. If the deviations are added, the sum is always zero. So one cannot simply add the deviations to get the data spread. By squaring the deviations, the numbers are made positive; thus, their sum will also be positive.The standard deviation measures the spread in the same units as the data.
Range Rule of Thumb to Interpret Standard Deviation
The range rule of thumb in statistics helps us calculate a dataset's minimum and maximum values with known standard deviation. This rule is based on the concept that 95% of all values in a dataset lie within two standard deviations from the mean.
For instance, the range rule of thumb can be used to find the tallest and the shortest student in a class, given the mean student height and standard deviation. If the mean student height is 1.6 m and the standard deviation, s is 0.05 m, the height of...
For instance, the range rule of thumb can be used to find the tallest and the shortest student in a class, given the mean student height and standard deviation. If the mean student height is 1.6 m and the standard deviation, s is 0.05 m, the height of...
Assessment of radial pulse
Assessment of Radial Pulse
The radial pulse, located at the wrist, is often the preferred site for assessing peripheral pulse because of its accessibility and dependability. The process of determining the radial pulse involves several steps:
The radial pulse, located at the wrist, is often the preferred site for assessing peripheral pulse because of its accessibility and dependability. The process of determining the radial pulse involves several steps:
Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna
The ulna and radius are parallel bones of the antebrachium or the forearm. The ulna lies medially and consists of a bony tip called the olecranon process at its proximal end. This hook-like projection articulates with the olecranon fossa of the humerus and forms the "hinged" ulnohumeral part of the elbow joint. This joint facilitates forearm extension and flexion while preventing its hyperextension. Similarly, the coronoid process, another bony projection on the proximal/anterior side of the...
Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius
The radius is longer of the two bones that make up the human antebrachium or forearm. At the proximal end, the radius articulates with the capitulum of the humerus and the radial notch of the ulna to form the elbow joint. At the distal end, the radius articulates with the ulna via the ulnar notch, forming the distal radioulnar joint. Distally, the radius also attaches to the carpal wrist bones (scaphoid and lunate) to form the radiocarpal joint.
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a short...
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a short...

