Ulnar Bowing and Distal Radioulnar Joint Anatomy: A Three-Dimensional, In Situ Clinical Assessment

Distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) injuries can be devastating and challenging to manage. The multiplanar curvature exhibited by the ulna impacts the morphology of the DRUJ, making it difficult to assess through two-dimensional radiographs alone. We used full-length, three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography angiography scans to assess the relationship between ulnar bowing, DRUJ ulnar variance (UV), and sigmoid notch angle. The goal of this study was to establish normal anatomic ranges for these landmarks to improve treatment for forearm traumas and DRUJ pathologies.

Eighty-two intact upper extremity computed tomography angiography scans were examined and reconstructed into 3D models. We characterized ulnar bowing and DRUJ metrics using computer-aided design software. Measures of central tendency and Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated for comparative analysis.

The study yielded an average ulnar length of 272.3 mm. We identified the proximal ulnar bow at 36.7% of the bone's total length, possessing a depth of 10.3 mm, a proximal angle of 6.6°, and a distal angle of 3.9°. The distal ulnar bow appeared at 75.3% of the bone's length, characterized by a depth of 4.2 mm, a proximal angle of 2°, and a distal angle of 4.3°. In the coronal plane, the proximal angle of the proximal ulnar bow correlated positively with UV (r = 0.39, P < .001), whereas the distal angle of the distal ulnar bow correlated negatively (r = -0.48, P < .001). We also found significant correlations between the depths of both proximal and distal bows with UV (r = 0.38, P < .001; r = -0.34, P < .001, respectively). Moreover, UV within the DRUJ strongly correlated with the sigmoid notch angle (r = -0.77, P = .01). In contrast, the sagittal plane metrics did not show meaningful correlations with UV.

Sagittal alignment and translation at the DRUJ articulation are directly related to ulna bowing at the distal ulna. A nuanced understanding of these 3D relationships can enhance preoperative planning when correcting ulnar-side pathology.

Therapeutic IV.