Assessment of Volar Tilt Measurements with Variations in X-Ray Beam Centralization Along the Longitudinal Axis of the Radius
Russell A. Wagner, MD; Will Junius, MD; Wade Krause, MD, Scott Cole, MD; David Lichtman, MD
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX
Corresponding Author:Russell A. Wagner, MD, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 1500 S. Main St., Fort Worth, TX 76104, USA; russell.wagner@unthsc.edu
DOI: 10.18600/toj.0101.02
INTRODUCTION
Distal radius fractures are among the most common injuries encountered by orthopaedic surgeons. They account for 15-20% of all extremity fractures, and represent one-sixth of all fractures treated in emergency departments (1). Several radiographic parameters have been established to evaluate these fractures on both posteroanterior (PA) and lateral views. Parameters evaluated on the PA view include radial inclination, radial height, ulnar variance, and articular step-off.
Volar tilt, as determined on the lateral view, is an angle formed by a line drawn perpendicular to the shaft of the radius and one drawn in the dorsal-to-palmar direction along the distal articular surface of the radius (Figure 1). Volar tilt has an accepted normal range of 0-28 degrees (average of 11-12) (1). The importance of re-establishing volar tilt to at least neutral for dynamic wrist function is well documented (1,2). Residual dorsal angulation results in such conditions as dorsal intercalated segment instability, persistent pain (3), dorsal carpal subluxation (4), decreased grip and pinch strength (5), altered pressure distribution at the radiocarpal joint (6), and incongruency of the distal radioulnar joint (7).
Previous studies have demonstrated that variations in radiographic techniques alter volar tilt measurements. These alterations can involve positioning of the forearm or X-ray beam. Johnson and Szabo (8) showed that a 5-degree rotational change in the forearm caused a 1.6-degree change in volar tilt. Supination increased and pronation decreased the measure. Friberg and Lundstrom (9) demonstrated that directing the beam 15 degrees cephalad decreased volar tilt.
Distal radius fractures are among the most common injuries encountered by orthopaedic surgeons. They account for 15-20% of all extremity fractures, and represent one-sixth of all fractures treated in emergency departments (1). Several radiographic parameters have been established to evaluate these fractures on both posteroanterior (PA) and lateral views. Parameters evaluated on the PA view include radial inclination, radial height, ulnar variance, and articular step-off.
Volar tilt, as determined on the lateral view, is an angle formed by a line drawn perpendicular to the shaft of the radius and one drawn in the dorsal-to-palmar direction along the distal articular surface of the radius (Figure 1). Volar tilt has an accepted normal range of 0-28 degrees (average of 11-12) (1). The importance of re-establishing volar tilt to at least neutral for dynamic wrist function is well documented (1,2). Residual dorsal angulation results in such conditions as dorsal intercalated segment instability, persistent pain (3), dorsal carpal subluxation (4), decreased grip and pinch strength (5), altered pressure distribution at the radiocarpal joint (6), and incongruency of the distal radioulnar joint (7).
Previous studies have demonstrated that variations in radiographic techniques alter volar tilt measurements. These alterations can involve positioning of the forearm or X-ray beam. Johnson and Szabo (8) showed that a 5-degree rotational change in the forearm caused a 1.6-degree change in volar tilt. Supination increased and pronation decreased the measure. Friberg and Lundstrom (9) demonstrated that directing the beam 15 degrees cephalad decreased volar tilt.
.jpg)
MATERIALS & METHODS
After IRB approval was obtained, 21 skeletally mature male volunteers with no prior history of fracture, operative intervention, congenital anomalies, or signs or symptoms of an upper extremity disorder were selected, and informed consent was obtained. Also, a radiolucent jig was constructed. The jig ensured neutral foreman rotation by using a standard aluminum wrist splint, and enabled calibrated movements along the longitudinal axis of the radius. The participants' arms were placed in 90 degrees of shoulder abduction, 90 degrees of elbow flexion and neutral forearm rotation (Figure 2), the standard position for a lateral radiograph of the distal forearm and wrist (10). Both the OEC 6600 mini C-arm and the Siemens Sireskop 5 portable X-ray machines were used to obtain radiographic images at four different positions. Position 0: centered on the radial styloid, position +3: centered 3 cm proximal to the radial styloid, position +5: centered 5 cm proximal to the radial styloid, and position -3: centered 3 cm distal to the radial styloid (Figure 3). To ensure that any variations in volar tilt were due solely to changes in beam position, the extent to which the cortices of the distal scaphoid pole and the capitate head were overlain by the palmar cortex of the pisiform was assessed for each set of radiographs. This scaphopisocapitate relationship needed to remain constant among the different films (10). A total of five set of radiographs were excluded due to variation in this relationship, leaving 16 sets of X-rays.
After IRB approval was obtained, 21 skeletally mature male volunteers with no prior history of fracture, operative intervention, congenital anomalies, or signs or symptoms of an upper extremity disorder were selected, and informed consent was obtained. Also, a radiolucent jig was constructed. The jig ensured neutral foreman rotation by using a standard aluminum wrist splint, and enabled calibrated movements along the longitudinal axis of the radius. The participants' arms were placed in 90 degrees of shoulder abduction, 90 degrees of elbow flexion and neutral forearm rotation (Figure 2), the standard position for a lateral radiograph of the distal forearm and wrist (10). Both the OEC 6600 mini C-arm and the Siemens Sireskop 5 portable X-ray machines were used to obtain radiographic images at four different positions. Position 0: centered on the radial styloid, position +3: centered 3 cm proximal to the radial styloid, position +5: centered 5 cm proximal to the radial styloid, and position -3: centered 3 cm distal to the radial styloid (Figure 3). To ensure that any variations in volar tilt were due solely to changes in beam position, the extent to which the cortices of the distal scaphoid pole and the capitate head were overlain by the palmar cortex of the pisiform was assessed for each set of radiographs. This scaphopisocapitate relationship needed to remain constant among the different films (10). A total of five set of radiographs were excluded due to variation in this relationship, leaving 16 sets of X-rays.
.jpg)
After acceptable sets of radiographs were determined, two orthopaedic faculty observers were chosen to measure volar tilt. The standard method of measurement as described above was used, and each radiograph was measured twice by both observers. The observers were blinded to the position of the beam.
As another measure to evaluate the centralization of beam position over the radial styloid, the distance between the shadow of the proximal articular surface of the scaphoid and that of the proximal articular surface of the lunate was measured. We termed this distance the scapholunate proximal articular surface (SPAS) distance. RESULTS
The average volar tilt measures found at all four positions for both the mini C-arm and standard X-ray radiograph sets are illustrated in Table 1. Both of these data sets yielded linear relationships (Figure 4). The slope of the C-arm group can be described with the equation y=1.3986x + 8.1517 (R^2=0.993), and the same for the standard X-ray is y=0.2776x + 8.5531 (R^2=0.9564).
As another measure to evaluate the centralization of beam position over the radial styloid, the distance between the shadow of the proximal articular surface of the scaphoid and that of the proximal articular surface of the lunate was measured. We termed this distance the scapholunate proximal articular surface (SPAS) distance. RESULTS
The average volar tilt measures found at all four positions for both the mini C-arm and standard X-ray radiograph sets are illustrated in Table 1. Both of these data sets yielded linear relationships (Figure 4). The slope of the C-arm group can be described with the equation y=1.3986x + 8.1517 (R^2=0.993), and the same for the standard X-ray is y=0.2776x + 8.5531 (R^2=0.9564).
Statistical analysis of the mini C-arm data yielded the following information. Paired-samples t-test showed t-value of 6.89 (p<0.0001). This shows a statistical difference between observers (average measured difference 2.92 degrees). The average change in volar tilt measure for every 1 cm beam offset is 1.4 degrees, and an average increase of 11.2 degrees from -3cm (distal) position to +5cm (proximal) was found. One-way ANOVA showed a composite F value of 37.66 (p<0.0001) showing a significant difference between all data points (beam positions).
After applying statistical analysis to the standard X-ray data, the following information was found. No statistical difference between the two separate measurements made by individual observers or between the different observers was found. A statistically significant difference was found between the +5 and 0 position as well as the +5 and -3 position (p<0.05). The average increase in volar tilt measurement from the -3cm (distal) to +5cm (proximal) position was 2.2 degrees.
The scapholunate proximal articular surface (SPAS) distance was also calculated on these films. The SPAS distance was found to increase as the beam moved from distal to proximal (Figure 5). A statistically significant difference was found between all groups (p<0.05) with the exception of the +3 and +5cm (p=0.053).
The scapholunate proximal articular surface (SPAS) distance was also calculated on these films. The SPAS distance was found to increase as the beam moved from distal to proximal (Figure 5). A statistically significant difference was found between all groups (p<0.05) with the exception of the +3 and +5cm (p=0.053).
DISCUSSION
Distal radius fractures are one of the most common fractures encountered by orthopaedists. They constitute approximately 15-20% of all extremity fractures (1). Failure to adequately reduce these fractures can lead to the development of several debilitating conditions. Volar tilt is one of the primary measures used to establish adequate reduction, and ensuring that it is measured correctly is of vital importance. Prior studies by Johnson and Szabo (8) showed that rotational changes can affect this measure, and Frieberg and Lundström (9) showed that tilting the beam cephalad also affected the measure. The current study clearly demonstrates that changes in beam centralization along the longitudinal axis of the radius causes variability in volar tilt measurements, with an increase in volar tilt as the beam is moved proximally. The great disparity in volar tilt variance (11.2 degrees vs 2.2 degrees) between the mini C-arm and the standard X-ray can be explained mathematically. The distance from wrist to beam source using the mini C-arm was 36 cm, and when using standard X-rays this distance was 110 cm. Thus, moving the respective beams along the longitudinal axis of the radius had a much greater effect on the angle between the beam source and wrist when using the mini C-arm vs the standard X-ray. This increased angle variance over the longitudinal excursion of the mini C-arm beam lead to an increased variance in volar tilt measurement.
The SPAS distance as described above also varies with longitudinal changes in beam position. Thus, this distance can be used to estimate consistency of beam position between images. This measurement could be of particular usefulness in the case of comparing mini C-arm images, which are more prone to variations in volar tilt measures with inconsistent beam positions. Clinically, this implies that standard X-rays should be chosen over mini C-arm to evaluate palmar tilt because they are less sensitive to changes in beam centralization. For standard X-rays, an 8 cm variance produces only 2.2 degrees of difference in volar tilt, and this difference is less likely to affect a change in treatment. CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates a clear relationship between beam centralization and volar tilt value. As the beam is moved proximally, volar tilt increases. Owing to a greater angle of measurement, this variance is much greater when using the mini C-arm than with standard radiography. Thus, it is our recommendation that standard X-rays be preferred over the mini C-arm to evaluate palmar tilt. However, if the mini C-arm is used, the distance between the proximal articular surfaces of the scaphoid and lunate can be used as an approximation of the consistency of beam position. REFERENCES
1. Simic PM, Weiland AJ. Fractures of the distal aspect of the radius: changes in treatment over the past two decades. Instr Course Lect. 2003;52:185-95.
2. Arora R, Gabl M, Gschwentner M, Deml C, Krappinger D, Lutz M. A comparative study of clinical and radiologic outcomes of unstable colles type distal radius fractures in patients older than 70 years: nonoperative treatment versus volar locking plating. J Orthop Trauma. 2009;23:237-42.
3. Nana AD, Joshi A, Lichtman DM. Plating of the distal radius. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2005;13:159-71.
4. Park MJ, Cooney WP, Hahn ME, Looi KP, An KN. The effects of dorsally angulated distal radius fractures on carpal kinematics. J Hand Surg Am. 2002;27:223-32.
5. Rubinovich RM, Rennie WR. Colles’ fracture: end results in relation to radiologic parameters. Can J Surg. 1983;26:361-3.
6. Short WH, Palmer AK, Werner FW, Murphy DJ. A biomechanical study of distal radial fractures. J Hand Surg Am. 1987;12:529-34.
7. Kihara H, Palmer AK, Werner FW, Short WH, Fortino MD. The effect of dorsally angulated distal radius fractures on distal radioulnar joint congruency and forearm rotation. J Hand Surg Am. 1996;21:40-7.
8. Johnson PG, Szabo RM. Angle measurements of the distal radius: a cadaver study. Skeletal Radiol. 1993;22:243-6.
9. Friberg S, Lundström B. Radiographic measurements on the radio-carpal joint in distal radial fractures. Acta Radiol Diagn (Stockh). 1976;17:869-76.
10. Mann FA, Wilson AJ, Gilula LA. Radiographic evaluation of the wrist: what doesthe hand surgeon want to know? Radiology. 1992;184:15-24.
Distal radius fractures are one of the most common fractures encountered by orthopaedists. They constitute approximately 15-20% of all extremity fractures (1). Failure to adequately reduce these fractures can lead to the development of several debilitating conditions. Volar tilt is one of the primary measures used to establish adequate reduction, and ensuring that it is measured correctly is of vital importance. Prior studies by Johnson and Szabo (8) showed that rotational changes can affect this measure, and Frieberg and Lundström (9) showed that tilting the beam cephalad also affected the measure. The current study clearly demonstrates that changes in beam centralization along the longitudinal axis of the radius causes variability in volar tilt measurements, with an increase in volar tilt as the beam is moved proximally. The great disparity in volar tilt variance (11.2 degrees vs 2.2 degrees) between the mini C-arm and the standard X-ray can be explained mathematically. The distance from wrist to beam source using the mini C-arm was 36 cm, and when using standard X-rays this distance was 110 cm. Thus, moving the respective beams along the longitudinal axis of the radius had a much greater effect on the angle between the beam source and wrist when using the mini C-arm vs the standard X-ray. This increased angle variance over the longitudinal excursion of the mini C-arm beam lead to an increased variance in volar tilt measurement.
The SPAS distance as described above also varies with longitudinal changes in beam position. Thus, this distance can be used to estimate consistency of beam position between images. This measurement could be of particular usefulness in the case of comparing mini C-arm images, which are more prone to variations in volar tilt measures with inconsistent beam positions. Clinically, this implies that standard X-rays should be chosen over mini C-arm to evaluate palmar tilt because they are less sensitive to changes in beam centralization. For standard X-rays, an 8 cm variance produces only 2.2 degrees of difference in volar tilt, and this difference is less likely to affect a change in treatment. CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates a clear relationship between beam centralization and volar tilt value. As the beam is moved proximally, volar tilt increases. Owing to a greater angle of measurement, this variance is much greater when using the mini C-arm than with standard radiography. Thus, it is our recommendation that standard X-rays be preferred over the mini C-arm to evaluate palmar tilt. However, if the mini C-arm is used, the distance between the proximal articular surfaces of the scaphoid and lunate can be used as an approximation of the consistency of beam position. REFERENCES
1. Simic PM, Weiland AJ. Fractures of the distal aspect of the radius: changes in treatment over the past two decades. Instr Course Lect. 2003;52:185-95.
2. Arora R, Gabl M, Gschwentner M, Deml C, Krappinger D, Lutz M. A comparative study of clinical and radiologic outcomes of unstable colles type distal radius fractures in patients older than 70 years: nonoperative treatment versus volar locking plating. J Orthop Trauma. 2009;23:237-42.
3. Nana AD, Joshi A, Lichtman DM. Plating of the distal radius. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2005;13:159-71.
4. Park MJ, Cooney WP, Hahn ME, Looi KP, An KN. The effects of dorsally angulated distal radius fractures on carpal kinematics. J Hand Surg Am. 2002;27:223-32.
5. Rubinovich RM, Rennie WR. Colles’ fracture: end results in relation to radiologic parameters. Can J Surg. 1983;26:361-3.
6. Short WH, Palmer AK, Werner FW, Murphy DJ. A biomechanical study of distal radial fractures. J Hand Surg Am. 1987;12:529-34.
7. Kihara H, Palmer AK, Werner FW, Short WH, Fortino MD. The effect of dorsally angulated distal radius fractures on distal radioulnar joint congruency and forearm rotation. J Hand Surg Am. 1996;21:40-7.
8. Johnson PG, Szabo RM. Angle measurements of the distal radius: a cadaver study. Skeletal Radiol. 1993;22:243-6.
9. Friberg S, Lundström B. Radiographic measurements on the radio-carpal joint in distal radial fractures. Acta Radiol Diagn (Stockh). 1976;17:869-76.
10. Mann FA, Wilson AJ, Gilula LA. Radiographic evaluation of the wrist: what doesthe hand surgeon want to know? Radiology. 1992;184:15-24.