Fracture of the distal radius is one of the most common wrist fractures that orthopedic surgeons face. Quite often an injury is too severe to be repaired by supportive measures and pin or plate fixation is the subsequent alternative. In this study we present a novel method for automated 3D analysis of distal radius utilizing statistical atlases, this method can be used to design pin or plate fixation device that accurately fit the anatomy.

A set of 120 bones (60 males and 60 females) were scanned using high resolution CT. These CT scans were then segmented and the surface models of the radius were added to the statistical atlas. Global shape differences between males and females were then identified using the statistical atlas. A set of landmarks were then calculated including the tip of the lateral styloid process and centroid of the distal plateau. These landmarks were then used to calculate the width of the distal plateau, the height of the distal plateau, overall radius length and the curvature of the distal plateau. These measurements were then compared for both males and females. Three of the measurements came statistically significant with p< 0.01. Curvature of the distal plateau wasn’t found to be significant, with females having slightly higher radius of curvature than males.

This automated 3D analysis overcomes the major drawbacks of 2D x-ray measurements and manual localization methods. Thus, this analysis quantifies more accurately the anatomical differences between males and females. Statistically significant anatomical gender differences were found and quantified, which can be used for the design of trauma prosthesis that can fit normal anatomy.