Anatomic study of fibrous structures attached to the volar ulnar corner of the radius: implications in the volar rim fracture

Abstract

This study aimed to clarify the bone and soft tissue morphological features at the volar ulnar corner of the radius. Micro-computed tomography, macroscopic and histological analyses were conducted using 12 cadaveric wrists, and in vivo MRI studies of the wrist were evaluated in five healthy volunteers. The volar ulnar corner of the distal radius has a protrusion volar to the sigmoid notch. The capsule elements of the radiolunate and radioulnar joints merge and this conjoined capsule attaches to the radius at the ulnar protrusion. Histologically, this capsule attaches to the radius via fibrocartilage, with fibres running in the radioulnar direction. In-vivo MRI studies showed that the capsule attaching to the volar ulnar corner could be traced to the dorsal side of the ulnar styloid. Our findings indicate that, given the direction of the fibres, an avulsion force in the radioulnar direction could be a cause for volar rim fractures.