Morphometric parameters of the radial head: an anatomical study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Anatomy
• Biomechanical engineering

Background:

• Accurate anatomical data of the proximal radius is essential for designing effective radial head prostheses.
• Understanding the radial head's dimensions is critical for orthopedic implant development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To precisely measure the anatomical parameters of the human radial head.
• To provide detailed measurements for radial head prosthesis design.

Main Methods:

• Formalin-fixed proximal radii (18 pairs) were used.
• Optosil imprints were taken from slices of the proximal radius.
• Diameters were measured at 30-degree rotations relative to the interosseous border.

Main Results:

• The radial head exhibits a complex shape, not perfectly round or conical.
• Maximum diameter (24.13 mm) was observed at 6 mm from the joint surface, increasing from the radiocapitular joint.
• Significant differences existed between minimum and maximum diameters (P < 0.001); no significant side differences (P > 0.01).

Conclusions:

• The radial head's complex geometry necessitates consideration in prosthesis design.
• Size increases from the radiocapitular joint to the mid-proximal radioulnar joint.
• No significant anatomical differences were found between left and right radial heads.