Validation of an automatic three-dimensional method for distal radius measurements and malunion quantification

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Radiology
• Medical imaging analysis

Background:

• Preoperative measurements of distal radial inclination and volar tilt are crucial for surgical planning.
• Current manual measurement techniques are time-consuming and prone to user-dependent variability.
• Accurate preoperative assessment is vital for successful surgical outcomes in distal radius fractures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate an automated 3D measurement method for distal radial inclination and volar tilt using CT scans.
• To compare the accuracy and reproducibility of the automated method against manual measurements.
• To assess the potential of the automated method to improve preoperative surgical planning.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 20 bilateral CT scans (healthy and pathological sides with malunions).
• Manual measurements performed by three senior observers.
• Automated algorithm measurements based on the radiocarpal surface.
• Evaluation of agreement using concordance correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman analysis (repeatability set at 5°).
• Assessment of correction quantification accuracy against a reference method.

Main Results:

• Mean difference in radial inclination: -6° (automatic vs. manual).
• Mean difference in volar tilt: -2.6° (automatic vs. manual).
• The automated method demonstrated closer agreement with the reference method for correction quantification.

Conclusions:

• The automated 3D measurement method provides a reproducible and time-efficient alternative to manual measurements for distal radial inclination and volar tilt.
• This validated automated approach can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of preoperative surgical planning for distal radius pathologies.
• The findings suggest a significant improvement in preoperative planning through enhanced reproducibility and time savings.