Middle-phalanx-base radiographic morphology and its clinical implications

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Hand anatomy
• Radiographic measurement

Background:

• The teardrop angle is a critical radiographic measurement at the base of the middle phalanx.
• Establishing normative values is essential for diagnosing and managing hand and finger pathologies.
• Variability in teardrop angle can indicate underlying skeletal abnormalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine normative values for the teardrop angle at the base of the middle phalanx.
• To assess potential differences in teardrop angle between different digits.
• To provide a standardized reference for clinical interpretation.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of radiographic images.
• Measurement of the teardrop angle using standardized digital calipers.
• Statistical comparison of mean teardrop angles across digits.

Main Results:

• A consistent mean teardrop angle was observed in the range of 50°-51°.
• No statistically significant differences were found in the teardrop angle between the different digits.
• The study established reliable normative values for this specific anatomical landmark.

Conclusions:

• The mean teardrop angle at the base of the middle phalanx is consistently between 50°-51°.
• Digit laterality does not significantly influence the teardrop angle.
• These normative values are valuable for radiographic assessment in hand surgery and related fields.