Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze carpal alignment and evaluate the interobserver reliability of the several parameters using three-dimensional computed tomography(3D-CT) in normal Koreans.
Materials and methods: The study included 42 wrists with no history of wrist pain or abnormality by physical examination. 3D-CT scanning was performed with each patient in zero position; the arm abduction against the trunk; the elbow flexed 900; the forearm in neutral position using the stabilizing device. The three observers measured the carpal alignment parameters including distal radius articular angle, radiolunate angle, radioscaphoid angle, radio capitateangle, radio-3rd metacarpalangle, scapholunate angle, lunocapitate angle, luno-3rd metacarpal angle.
Results: The mean distal radius articular angle was12.80 ± 2.6, the mean radio lunate angle was 0.90 ± 4.6, the radio scaphoid angle was 54.40 ± 5.3, the mean radiocapitate angle was 1.70 ± 2.1, the mean radio-3rd metacarpal angle was -1.20 ± 2.5, the mean scapholunate angle was 53.40 ± 7.8, the meanlunocapitate angle was 0.80 ± 4.7 and the mean luno-3rd metacarpal angle was -2.10 ± 5.0. All parameters have excellent interobserver reliability.
Conclusion: The normal mean values and ranges for carpal alignment angles were evaluated by using 3D-CT, may be of assistance in the evaluation of carpal alignment to the wrist.