The association of three anatomical factors with ulnar-sided wrist pain: a radiological study.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Ulnar-sided wrist pain is associated with the development of multiple wrist pathologies. But the anatomical etiologies have not been fully understood. PURPOSE: To determine the association of three anatomical factors with ulnar-sided wrist pain, including ulnar variance (UV), distal ulnar volar angle (DUVA), and pisiform-ulnar distance (PUD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 64 patients who had ulnar-sided wrist pain associated with training injuries were retrospectively studied. A control group included 64 healthy athletes from the same unit. The UV, DUVA, and PUD of each individual was measured on radiographs. RESULTS: The average UV and DUVA of those in the ulnar-sided pain group were 0.84 mm and 174.65°, respectively; the control group values were 0.39 mm and 175.11°. The differences between the two groups had no statistical significance (P > 0.05). The average PUD of the ulnar-sided wrist pain group was shorter than that of the control group (2.37 cm vs. 2.65 cm); the difference had statistical significance (P < 0.05). PUD had a negative correlation with ulnar-sided pain; it was an anatomical protective factor (odds ratio = 0.01; P < 0.00; 95% confidence interval=0.00-0.05). Both UV and DUVA had no significant correlations with ulnar-sided wrist pain (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: PUD has a significant correlation with ulnar-sided wrist pain. It is the anatomical protective factor. Both the UV and DUVA have no statistical association with ulnar-sided wrist pain, but we cannot ignore their potential pathogenic effects on wrists, and further studies are needed to confirm the results.