Normal Age-Related Alterations on Distal Radius Radiography

The present study was designed to ascertain serial changes on distal radius radiographic parameters attributable to aging. In this prospective study, the sample consisted of 120 healthy individuals who were divided into four age groups each containing 15 males and 15 females. In the two below-20-year-old groups, only ulnar variance could be investigated. Wrist radiography was taken and then parameters of the distal radius were measured and compared based on age and sex. Average UV was -2.48 mm and -1.6 mm in the 2-9 and 10-19-year-old age groups, respectively. Also, in the two above-20-year-old groups, the average radial inclination (RI), palmar tilt (PT), radial length (RL), and UV was 23.7º, 12.4º, 10.5 and +1.1 mm, respectively. Considering ulnar variance, no significant difference was found between the 2-9- and 10-19-year-old groups, as well as among the two above-20-year-old groups. However, a significant difference was observed between the below 20 and above 20 groups. The study results showed no significant differences between males and females in any of the study groups. There is significant ulnar variance change toward less negative ulnar variance with aging until maturity.