Cuboid Bone for Distal Radius Reconstruction: An Anatomical Study by 3D Models

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Anatomical research
• Biomedical engineering

Background:

• Distal radius (DR) reconstruction is challenging when the articular surface is compromised by trauma, degeneration, or oncologic resection.
• This study explores the feasibility of using the foot's cuboid bone as an osteoarticular graft for DR reconstruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the 3D morphology of the articular surfaces of three foot bones (calcaneus, cuboid, lateral cuneiform) with the distal radius.
• To identify the most suitable foot bone for replacing the DR articular surface.

Main Methods:

• Three-dimensional (3D) bone models were generated from CT scan data.
• Hausdorff-Besicovitch morphometry was used to compare the articular surfaces of the calcaneus, cuboid, and lateral cuneiform with the DR.
• Statistical analysis of mean, maximum, and minimum differences was performed.

Main Results:

• The cuboid bone exhibited the smallest mean overall area difference with the DR (0.72 mm ± 0.03 mm).
• The lateral cuneiform showed a mean difference of 0.89 mm (± 0.08 mm), and the calcaneus 1.04 mm (± 0.06 mm).
• Statistically, the cuboid bone demonstrated lower differences and variability in its articular surface compared to the other foot bones.

Conclusions:

• The cuboid bone's articular surface shows significant morphological similarities to the distal radius.
• The cuboid bone is the most suitable foot bone for osteoarticular replacement or reconstruction of the distal radius.
• Vascularized cuboid transfer is a potential clinical option for DR reconstruction due to anatomical congruence.