The influence of age and gender on radial height

Radial height was measured on carefully standardized posteroanterior x-ray films of the wrist in 25 male and 25 female patients. The range of radial height (10 to 18 mm) was the same for both male and female patients, with slightly different means for each sex. In females the mean was at the upper limit of the previously reported range, whereas in males the mean was outside the reported range. Our results suggest that previously published measurements underestimate radial height. Inasmuch as radial height may be used in planning management of distal radial fractures, it is important to redefine these measurements. We also believe that the wide range of normal makes comparison with a noninjured contralateral wrist essential for accurate assessment of radial shortening in each individual patient.