Measurements of carpal bone angles on lateral wrist radiographs

Measurements of carpal bone angles on lateral wrist radiographs can be of assistance in the diagnostic evaluation of wrist malalignment. A series of 75 normal wrists was examined by use of a standardized radiographic technique. The normal carpal bone angles were determined using the bone axes with the least observer variability (mean and range): radiolunate, -1.02 (-10 to 12), radioscaphoid, 51.80 (35 to 65), and scapholunate, 50.77 (36 to 66). Normal mean values and ranges for intercarpal bone angles may be of assistance in the diagnostic evaluation of ligamentous injury to the wrist.