ANATOMICAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL STUDY ON RADIAL HEAD AND ITS CLINICAL IMPLICATION

Abstract

Introduction: The lateral forearm bone, Radius is a fundamental element for the physiological or prosthetic stability of the elbow and superior radio-ulnar joints. It also participates in elbow exion, supination & pronation. The knowledge of shape and size of the radius will be useful for the radial head prosthesis. The morphometric data may help orthopedic surgeons for reconstructive surgery. Aims & Objectives: To determine the morphometric parameters of proximal end of radius and to assess its clinical signicance. Methodology: A cross sectional morphometric study was conducted on sixty-six undamaged adult dry human Radii of unknown age and sex, in the Department of Anatomy, MJNMCH, by using a digital vernier caliper of accuracy of 0.01mm. Anteroposterior diameter, transverse diameter, medial height and lateral height and depth of superior articular facet were measured. Result: In the present study mean values (±standard deviation) of anteroposterior diameter, transverse diameter, medial height, lateral height of radial head and depth of superior articular surface were 16.86±2.92mm, 16.22±2.91mm, 8±1.7mm, 5.8±1.29mm and 1.1±0.3mm for the right side and 18.71±2.05mm, 18.14±2.1mm, 8.5±1.33mm, 6.15±0.9mm and 1.21±0.3mm for the left side respectively. The average values of anteroposterior and transverse diameter of radial head show signicant difference between right side and left side of radius. Conclusion: The knowledge of size and shape of radial head is necessary for creation of radial head prosthesis that should be automatically and biochemically correct so that the open be safely applied. The study was conducted to nd out some additional and relevant information on the morphometric parameters of radial head so that it can help in creation of radial head prosthesis.