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Lunate morphology: can it be predicted with routine x-ray films?
S D Sagerman1, R M Hauck, A K Palmer
1Hand Surgery Associates, Arlington Heights, IL 60005, USA.
The Journal of Hand Surgery
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Standard X-rays have limited accuracy in predicting lunate morphology. Type 2 lunates are frequently associated with cartilage erosion and arthrosis at the lunate-hamate joint.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Radiology
- Anatomy
Background:
- Lunate morphology is crucial for wrist biomechanics.
- Accurate assessment of lunate anatomy is essential for diagnosing wrist conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the reliability of standard X-ray films in predicting lunate morphology.
- To determine the association between lunate morphology and arthrosis in the lunate-hamate articulation.
Main Methods:
- X-ray films were obtained from 81 cadaver wrists.
- Cadaver wrists were dissected to determine true anatomical lunate morphology (Type 1 vs. Type 2).
- Correlation between X-ray findings, anatomical type, and presence of cartilage erosion was analyzed.
Main Results:
- 35 wrists were classified as Type 1 lunate, and 46 as Type 2.
- X-ray accuracy for predicting lunate morphology ranged from 64% to 72%.
- Cartilage erosion at the proximal pole of the hamate was observed in 28 wrists with Type 2 lunates.
Conclusions:
- Standard X-ray films have limited accuracy in predicting lunate morphology.
- Type 2 lunate morphology is frequently associated with arthrosis at the lunate-hamate articulation.