Radiographic spectrum of severity in Madelung's deformity.

Abstract

To establish whether Madelung's deformity demonstrates a radiographic continuum of severity and whether a forme fruste does exist. Ulnar tilt, lunate subsidence, palmar carpal displacement, and lunate fossa angle were measured in 81 wrist radiographs with obvious or suspected Madelung's deformity. Statistical analyses based on these measurements were performed to ascertain if there is a deformity continuum. Ranges of 15 degrees to 51 degrees (mean, 28 degrees) for ulnar tilt, -7 to +11 mm (mean, -0.8 mm) for lunate subsidence, 9 to 25 mm (mean, 15.3 mm) for palmar carpal displacement, and 20 degrees to 56 degrees (mean, 33 degrees) for lunate fossa angle were obtained. Significant correlations were observed between all measurements. Madelung's deformity encompasses a spectrum of radiographic abnormality. Diagnostic I.