Capitate and Lunate Morphology in Normal Wrist Radiographs-A Pilot Study

Morphology may provide the basis for the understanding of wrist mechanics.

We used classification systems based on cadaver dissection of lunate and capitate types to evaluate a normal database of 70 wrist radiographs in 35 subjects looking for associations between bone shapes. Kappa statistics and a log-linear mixed -effects model with a random intercept were used.

There were 39 type-1, 31 type- 2 lunates, 50 spherical, 10 flat and 10 V-shaped capitates. There was a significant difference in lunate and capitate shape between the hands of the same individual p <0.001. This may be due to different loads on the dominant vs. nondominant hands in the same individual.

Further study to better understand the development of radiographic parameters of the midcarpal joint may aid in our understanding of the morphology and mechanics of the wrist.