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Study investigates influence of cartilage thickness on size,shape of radial head
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Results of this MRI analysis of 78 elbows showed the radial head of the elbow was significantly increased and modified in size and shape by the cartilage surface, suggesting indirect measurements of dry bones or radiographs cannot be used to infer the diameters of the radial head.
Researchers analyzed MRI scans of the elbows of 78 healthy participants and calculated the maximum and minimum bone diameters, maximum and minimum total diameters and cartilage thickness. Cartilage thickness was measured at the articular side of the maximum diameter (point A), at the non-articular side of the maximum diameter (point B), at the medial side of the minimum diameter (point C) and at the lateral side of the minimum diameter (point D), according to researchers.
Giuseppe Giannicola
Results showed significant differences between the mean maximum and minimum bone diameters and between the mean maximum and minimum total diameters, as well as between the mean maximum total diameter and mean maximum bone diameter. Researchers also noted a significant difference between the mean minimum total diameter and mean minimum bone diameter. Cartilage thickness was significantly different between point A and the other points, according to results. However, researchers found no differences in cartilage thickness between points C and D.
“No measurable cartilage thickness was found at point B,” the authors wore.
While men had a significantly larger diameter, results showed men and women had similar cartilage thickness. Although researchers found a good correlation between the minimum and maximum bone diameters and between the minimum and maximum total diameters, maximum bone diameter had no significant correlation with cartilage thickness. In addition, minimum bone diameter had a negative correlation with cartilage thickness. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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