A Survey on Current Methods of Carpal Height Ratio Measurement and Suggestion of a New Method

Abstract

Background & Aims: Two famous methods are commonly used for the measurement of carpal height ratio. Both methods are performed on anteroposterior radiogram and have some shortcomings. We are going to introduce a new method for measuring this index in lateral view of the wrist radiogram' Methods: This cross-sectional and case-control study was conducted on 100 anteroposterior and lateral radiograms of asymptomatic individuals and then 20 radiograms of patients with Kienbock disease in various stages of the disease. After determining new reference points on the radiograms of the “normal” group, it was tried to define the ratio by new method. In the next stage the interobserver and intraobserver agreement of the new index was assessed along with previous defined indices. Results: All three methods had some limitations, but overall it seems that the new method has more precise reference points. With regard to inter and intraobserver variability the new index was better than the Natrass group index, but not than the Youm group index. Conclusion: The new index can be used as a substitute or an alternative in carpal height measurement.

Keywords

• wrist
• radiography
• capitate bone