An anatomical study of thenar and hypothenar soft tissue thickness in men and women.

We hypothesized that reduced thenar soft tissue thickness may be a risk factor for distal radial fractures. We assessed MRI scans of the wrist in 78 adults. The 51 men had significantly higher palmar soft tissue thickness compared to the 27 women, even after adjusting for hand size.Level of evidence: IV.

Application of Vieth staging in forensic age estimation in the living using MRI of the distal radial epiphysis.

Forensic age estimation is crucial in various legal and civil contexts, particularly in regions experiencing significant migration and inadequate birth registration systems. This study evaluates the applicability of the Vieth staging system for forensic age estimation in the living using MRI of the distal radial epiphysis. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 620 left wrist MRI scans from individuals aged 9.92 to 29.58 years. The study demonstrated high intra- and inter-observer agreement values (κ = 0.974 and κ = 0.961), confirming the method's reliability. Spearman's rank correlation analysis showed significant positive correlations between age and ossification stage for both sexes. The minimum ages observed for males were 9.92 years at stage 2, 15.00 years at stage 3, 15.00 years at stage 4, 17.00 years at stage 5, and 20.00 years at stage 6. For females, the minimum ages were 10.08 years at stage 2, 12.33 years at stage 3, 14.25 years at stage 4, 16.33 years at stage 5, and 18.42 years at stage 6. The study supports the applicability of the Vieth methodology for forensic age estimation in the living and suggests that MRI could be a non-invasive and potentially effective tool for determining critical age thresholds in forensic contexts. Further research is recommended to refine these methods and explore their applicability across different populations.

Does endoscopic carpal tunnel release during distal radial fracture fixation improve outcomes? A randomized controlled trial.

This study investigated the functional outcome of prophylactic carpal tunnel release during distal radial fracture fixation. A total of 60 patients undergoing anterior locking plate fixation for a distal radial fracture were randomized into two groups: one having prophylactic endoscopic carpal tunnel release and the other serving as a control. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Patient-Reported Wrist Evaluation, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level questionnaire, Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, Pain Numerical Rating Scale, grip strength and finger-to-palm distance over a 12-month period. The study found no significant differences in overall functional outcomes or complications between the groups.Level of evidence: I.

Assessment of Pain Severity and Grip Strength as the Most Accurate Predictors of the Outcome of Treatment of Distal Radial Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Distal radial fractures are common injuries, accounting for approximately 25% of fractures in the paediatric population and up to 18% of all fractures in the elderly age group. Assessment of treatment outcomes of these fractures includes objective measurements of wrist joint range of motion and grip strength as well as subjective parameters such as the intensity of perceived pain, hand function and quality of life. The recent years have ushered in a trend towards using several outcome measures for a more comprehensive evaluation of the results of the treatment. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the assessment of pain severity and grip strength is sufficiently accurate for correct assessment of the outcome of the treatment of distal radial fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and two patients, 79 women (77%) and 23 men (23%), at a mean age of 54 years with distal radial fractures were treated operatively. Treatment outcomes were assessed at 3 and 6 months by measurements of intensity of pain (according to a numerical rating scale, NRS), grip strength (with a dynamometer) and hand function with the DASH questionnaire. The results of these measurements were compared in order to investigate the strength of the possible correlation between variables. RESULTS: An analysis of the correlation between the variables of interest at 3 and 6 months' assessment showed statistically significant correlations (Spearman rank test, R=0,26-0,41; p<0,01). The NRS correlated negatively with grip strength (less pain - greater strength) and positively with DASH scores (less pain - better hand function). The correlation between grip strength and the DASH was the strongest (Spearman rank test R=0,61; p<0,001, showing that greater power of the hand indicated better function, whereas weaker grip indicated worse function. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The severity of pain and the degree of weakness of the hand show (independently of each other) a very good correlation with the comprehensive assessment of hand function using the DASH questionnaire. 2. It follows that pain severity and hand weakness are sufficient to reliably assess the outcome of the treatment of a distal radius fracture.

Distal versus proximal radial access in coronary angiography: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Distal radial access (DRA) represents a promising alternative to conventional proximal radial access (PRA) for coronary angiography. Substantial advantages regarding safety and efficacy have been suggested for DRA, but the ideal access route remains controversial. AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare safety, efficacy and feasibility of DRA to PRA. METHODS: National Library of Medicine PubMed, Web of Science, clinicaltrials.gov and Cochrane Library were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials and registry studies comparing DRA and PRA that were published between January 1, 2017 and April, 2024. Primary endpoint was the rate of radial artery occlusion (RAO). Secondary endpoints were access failure, access time, procedure time, arterial spasm, hematoma, and hemostasis time. Data extraction was performed by two independent investigators. Relative risks were aggregated using a random effects model. We applied meta-analytic regression to assess study characteristic variables as possible moderators of the study effects. RESULTS: 44 studies with a total of 21,081 patients were included. We found a significantly lower rate of RAO after DRA (DRA 1.28%, PRA 4.76%, p < .001) with a 2.92 times lower risk compared to the proximal approach (Log Risk Ratio = -1.07, p < .001). Conversely, the risk for access failure was 2.42 times higher for DRA compared to PRA (Log Risk Ratio = 0.88, p < .001). CONCLUSION: In this largest meta-analysis to date, we were able to show that rates of RAO are reduced with DRA compared to conventional PRA. This suggests DRA is a safe alternative to PRA.

Distal Transradial Access Optimization: A Prospective Trial of Ultrasound-Guided Radial Artery Characterization for the Anatomical Snuffbox.

Background/Objectives: The distal transradial approach (dTRA) is increasingly used in interventional cardiology. Doppler Ultrasound (DUS) effectively assesses radial artery (RA) characteristics. This study aims to identify specific RA DUS characteristics in patients undergoing coronary procedures via dTRA. Methods: Participants from the ANTARES trial who completed the intervention per-protocol and retained RA patency were included. DUS was performed at baseline, 1 day, and 60 days post-procedure. Results: Among 400 participants, 348 had either dTRA (n = 169) or conventional transradial access (cTRA) (n = 179). Distal RA lumen diameter was 12% smaller than that of the proximal RA (p < 0.001). Men had a 14% larger distal RA diameter than women (2.33 ± 0.31 mm vs. 2.04 ± 0.27 mm, p < 0.0001), similar to the proximal RA relationship. Peak flow velocities were similar between the sexes. Univariate linear regression showed that height, weight, body mass index, and body surface area (BSA) predicted arterial size, with BSA remaining significant in multivariate analysis (beta coefficient 0.62; confidence interval 0.49-0.75; p < 0.0001). Distal RA diameter correlated positively with palpable pulse at the snuffbox and wrist. The dTRA resulted in an immediate 14% and 11% increase in distal and proximal RA diameter, respectively (both p < 0.05). Sixty days after dTRA, the distal RA remained slightly dilated (p < 0.05), while the proximal RA returned to baseline. Conclusions: Distal RA diameter is significantly associated with sex, measuring smaller than the forearm segment. A strong palpable pulse correlates with larger distal RA size. The dTRA induces RA lumen expansion. A thorough understanding of distal RA anatomy is essential for optimizing patient selection and refining techniques for transradial procedures.

Round table discussion. Distal radioulnar joint instability after surgical treatment of distal radial fractures.

Distal radioulnar joint instability is commonly seen after surgical fixation of a distal radial fracture, and surgeons' ability to reliably determine stability on examination is poor. Debate remains regarding whether to fix the ulnar styloid or reinsert the triangular fibrocartilaginous complex. Four surgeons with Level 5 expertise were asked to respond to questions surrounding this debate.

Headless screw fixation of unstable ulnar styloid base fractures after distal radial fractures fixation.

Ulnar styloid fractures occur frequently concomitant with distal radial fractures. Although unstable distal radial fractures are mostly surgically treated, ulnar styloid fractures are often ignored. Unstable fractures at the base of the ulnar styloid may lead to persistent ulnar pain, due to distal radioulnar joint instability or ulnar styloid non-union. We retrospectively analyzed a single-surgeon cohort series of surgically treated distal radial fractures on how these concomitant ulnar styloid fractures were regarded: indications for surgery and surgical technique with headless screw fixation. 119 surgically treated distal radial fractures were assessed. 51 (42.8%) of the surgically treated distal radial fractures had a distal ulnar fracture, and more specifically 23 (19.3%) had a base fracture of the ulnar styloid. 9 (7.6%) of the wrists had a base fracture of the ulnar styloid which was considered after distal radial fracture fixation as persistently unstable, during distal radioulnar joint ballottement translation test. This fracture subtype was immediately treated with headless screw fixation, resulting in all cases in bony union, with a mean active pronation of 85°, a mean active supination of 80° and a clinical stable distal radioulnar joint, with minimal ulnar pain after 6 weeks (mean Visual Analogue Scale 1). After at least 12 months, persistent pain did not occur and mean QuickDASH was 2.5. According to this single-surgeon cohort series, headless screw fixation provides a reliable treatment for unstable base fractures of the ulnar styloid after distal radial fixation.

Pseudoaneurysm Following a Puncture of the Distal Radial Artery: A Case Report.

Pseudoaneurysms are not uncommon in the clinic, but they have rarely been reported as a result of distal radial artery puncture. This case report is about an elderly woman who developed a pseudoaneurysm at the distal radial artery puncture site after coronary angiography via the distal radial artery. After timely treatment and long-term follow-up, the patient's hand wound gradually healed.

Feasibility and safety of transarterial chemoembolization in patients with liver cancer via the distal radial approach: a single-center retrospective cohort study.

Background: The femoral artery is the standard route for transarterial chemoembolization (TACE); however, it is negatively associated with the quality of life of patients, and carries an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis in the lower limbs. We employed the distal radial approach to TACE to assess its feasibility and safety. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study at the First Hospital of Jilin University from August 1, 2020 to October 31, 2023. To be eligible for inclusion in the study, the patients had to meet the following main inclusion criteria: (I) have undergone a preoperative imaging (abdominal computed tomography enhancement or magnetic resonance dynamic enhancement) examination, or have a pathologically confirmed diagnosis of primary liver cancer, and a Child-Pugh score of A or B; and (II) have undergone distal radial artery puncture. The primary endpoint of this study was the success rate of distal radial artery puncture. The secondary endpoints were complications and the duration of the puncture. Results: Among the 343 patients with primary liver cancer (of whom 236 were male and 107 were female), a total of 1,315 distal radial artery punctures were attempted. The success rate was remarkably high at 95.13% (1,251/1,315), with only 64 cases requiring an alternative approach due to failed puncture. The average puncture duration was 20±7.43 minutes. No bleeding and hematoma, no arterial dissection and pseudoaneurysm formation were observed on ultrasound, and the radial pulse was palpable in all patients, highlighting the safety of the procedure. Further, no adverse events of vascular occlusion were observed among the 12 patients who received 6 or more punctures, indicating the sustainability of the distal radial artery access under the premise of adequate vascular protection. The development of this technique requires a learning curve of at least 50 cases to break through the learning baseline and be proficient in distal radial artery blind puncture. This may be the reason why many interventional physicians are reluctant to perform this procedure, adapting to the femoral approach with a shorter learning curve. Conclusions: The distal radial artery approach is feasible and safe in hepatic arterial chemoembolization, and should be widely promoted in TACE.

Arthroscopic-Assisted Repair of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex.

Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries are a common cause of ulnar-side wrist pain and may progress to persistent pain, instability of the distal radioulnar joint, and arthritis if left untreated. Diagnosis and management of these injuries requires a nuanced understanding of features pertinent to the clinical presentation, imaging, and arthroscopic findings for accurate management. Arthroscopic-assisted repair techniques have revolutionized surgical management, providing detailed visualization and facilitating the repair of TFCC injuries and associated pathologies with minimally invasive techniques. In this review, we discuss the anatomy of the TFCC, history and examination of ulnar-sided pathology, imaging findings, and classification schemes and review surgical techniques for the treatment of TFCC injuries. We also touch on pearls and pitfalls of the techniques, complications, and results of treatment.

Ultrasound-guided modified dynamic needle tip positioning technique for distal radial artery catheterization: A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: The distal radial artery presents a particular challenge for puncture and catheterization due to its diminutive size, tortuous path, and tendency to spasm, increasing the risk of procedural failure and injury. Ultrasound guidance improves success rates and reduces risk in radial artery catheterization. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of a refined dynamic needle tip positioning technique for distal radial artery access. METHODS: One hundred twelve patients were randomized to either the modified dynamic needle tip positioning technique (MDNTP) or palpation guidance groups (palpation group), each with 56 participants. The primary outcomes were the success rate of the initial puncture and overall puncture success rate, while secondary outcomes included procedural time and complications such as puncture site hematoma and radial artery occlusion within 24 h. RESULTS: The MDNTP group exhibited superior initial puncture success (71.43% vs 46.43%, p < 0.05) and fewer puncture attempts (median 1 (1, 2) vs 2 (1, 4), p < 0.05), resulting in a higher overall puncture success rate (98.21% vs 87.50%, p = 0.028). Notably, sheath insertion times were significantly shorter (17 (12, 21) s vs 57 (32, 100) s, p = 0.001) and the Sheath insertion success rate was higher (96.43% vs 82.14%, p = 0.015) in the MDNTP group. Furthermore, the incidence of puncture site hematomas was reduced (5.36% vs 19.64%, p = 0.022), although puncture time was longer (60 (28, 116) s vs 40 (15, 79) s, p = 0.033). Despite these differences, total procedural time and the incidence of radial artery occlusion at 24 h postoperatively were comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The MDNTP technique boosts the success of distal radial artery puncture and catheterization, reducing the risk of complications associated with the procedure.

First application of the distal radial approach for severe mechanical surgical aortic valve paravalvular leak transcatheter closure with a double vascular plug: a case report.

Background: Severe aortic paravalvular leaks (PVLs) after surgical mechanical aortic valve replacement (AVR) represent a high risk for congestive heart failure, haemolysis, and infective endocarditis. This is the first reported case of distal radial artery (DRA) access for severe mechanical aortic PVL closure with a sequential double vascular plug guided by computed tomography angiography (CTA), transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE), and 3D TOE in an acute setting. Case summary: A 51-year-old male presented with significant mixed aortic valve disease. Aortic valve replacement was performed (Slimline Bicarbon A-25 mm) according to guidelines. Four and 16 days later, a re-exploration was carried out due to pericardial effusion. Four months after discharge from rehabilitation, the patient was readmitted due to worsening dyspnoea on exertion and then at rest. Transthoracic echocardiography, TOE, and consequently, CTA, revealed severe PVL, following which the procedure of transcatheter PVL closure was chosen, with a preference for DRA access. After a CTA scan analysis and angiographic, TOE, and 3D TOE visualization of the leak, a 14/5 mm and a 10/5 mm vascular plug (AVPIII) were deployed to achieve good results. A 9-month clinical, echocardiographic, and CTA follow-up revealed good long-term results. Discussion: For transcatheter PVL closure, CTA is helpful for not only vascular access planning, but also a visualization of the magnitude of the leak, location, and device planning. This case report demonstrates that the distal radial approach is feasible in patients with severe mechanical aortic valve PVL retrograde transcatheter closure. DRA access could possibly represent less bleeding and vascular access site complications when compared with femoral access and has some potential advantages over regular radial access.

Non- or minimally displaced distal radius fractures in adult patients < 50 years of age : Three weeks of cast immobilisation versus one week of brace immobilisation: study protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Currently, non- or minimally displaced distal radius fractures are treated by 3 to 5 weeks of cast immobilisation. Many patients with a distal radius fracture suffer from long-term functional restrictions, which might be related to stiffness due to cast immobilisation. Current literature indicates that 1 week of immobilisation might be safe; however, no level 1 evidence is available. This trial aims to compare 1 week of brace immobilisation with 3 weeks of cast immobilisation in patients with distal radius fractures that do not need reduction. METHODS: The aim of this trial is to evaluate the non-inferiority of 1 week of brace immobilisation in patients with non- or minimally displaced distal radius fractures. A two-armed single blinded multicentre randomised clinical trial will be conducted in three hospitals. Adult patients, between 18 and 50 years old, independent for activities of daily living, with a non- or minimally displaced distal radius fracture can be included in this study. The intervention group is treated with 1 week of brace immobilisation, and the control group with 3 weeks of cast immobilisation. Primary outcome is the patient-reported outcome measured by the Patient-Related Wrist Evaluation score (PRWE) at 6 months. Secondary outcomes are patient-reported outcome measured by the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score at 6 weeks and 6 months, PRWE at 6 weeks, range of motion, patient-reported pain score measured by VAS score, radiological outcome (dorsal/volar tilt, radial height, ulnar variance, presence of intra-articular step off), complications and cost-effectiveness measured by the EuroQol 5 Dimension questionnaire, Medical Consumption Questionnaire and Productivity Cost Questionnaire. DISCUSSION: This study will provide evidence on the optimal period of immobilisation in non-operatively treated displaced and reduced distal radius fractures. Both treatment options are accepted treatment protocols and both treatment options have a low risk of complications. Follow-up will be according to the current treatment protocol. This study will provide level 1 evidence on the optimal period and way of immobilisation for non- or minimally displaced distal radius fractures in adult patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ABR 81638 | NL81638.029.22 | www.toetsingonline.nl . 18th of October 2023.

Wide-Awake Tenolysis for Tendon Entrapment in a Distal Radial Epiphyseal Separation (Volar Displacement Type): A Case Report.

The patient was a 13-year-old male who fell while riding a bicycle and was initially diagnosed with a distal radial epiphyseal separation (volar displacement type) that was conservatively managed. Four months post-injury, he complained of limited movement in his left index finger and was referred to our hospital. Upon examination, the patient also complained of limited movement of the left index finger in wrist flexion. The wrist range of motion was 50° of volar flexion, 50° of dorsiflexion, 90° of pronation, and 90° of supination with the fingers extended. The X-ray revealed a radiolucent area in the distal radius. Ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging scans demonstrated entrapment of the extensor tendon within the medullary cavity of the radius. Five months post-injury, surgery was performed using the wide-awake local anesthesia no-tourniquet (WALANT) technique. A dorsal wrist approach was utilized, and the extensor digitorum communis tendon was found to be trapped within the medullary cavity of the radius. The tendon was released using an air drill, and sufficient improvement in the left index finger flexion was confirmed with active movement before concluding the surgery. At the 11-month postoperative follow-up, the patient showed excellent outcomes with a wrist range of motion of 75° of volar flexion, 85° of dorsiflexion, 90° of pronation, and 90° of supination. Tendon entrapment of the extensor tendons has been reported as a long-standing complication associated with distal radius fractures, particularly with volar displacement types. A benefit of the WALANT technique is the ability to communicate with the patient during surgery, allowing for active movements of the fingers and wrist. This is particularly useful in tendon surgeries for determining tendon tension. We report a case of successful tenolysis surgery using the WALANT technique for a patient with a conservatively managed distal radial epiphyseal separation (volar displacement type), who experienced a limited flexion of the index finger due to tendon entrapment.

Factors that interfere with immediate return to activity following volar locking plate fixation for distal radius fractures.

In the present study, the clinical findings that interfere with the immediate return to activity following volar locking plate (VLP) fixation for distal radius fractures were investigated. A total of 95 patients who underwent VLP fixation for distal radius fracture between July, 2014 and January, 2022 were divided into a good group (good score and outcome; n=86; 22 males and 64 females; median age, 61 years) and a poor group (poor score and outcome; n=8; 8 females; median age, 63.6 years) according to the quartiles of the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (Q-DASH) score, at 1 month following VLP fixation. The duration from injury to surgery, the direction of fracture dislocation and radiographic parameters [radial inclination (RI), volar tilt (VT) and ulnar variance (UV)] at the time of injury were examined. Radiographic parameters (RI, VT and UV), the range of motion of the wrist joint, grip strength ratio and visual analog scale (VAS) at 1 month following VLP fixation were also examined. These parameters were compared among both groups. Moreover, logistic regression analysis was performed to determine whether these factors were independently associated with a poor Q-DASH score at 1 month following VLP fixation. At the time of injury, fracture displacement was significantly higher in the poor group (VT, -23.8˚; UV, 4.2 mm) than the good group (VT, -6.5˚; P=0.02; UV, 1.3 mm; P=0.01). No differences in the other parameters were observed between the groups. At 1 month following VLP fixation, the grip strength ratio (17.2%) in the poor group was significantly lower than that in the good group (43.8%, P<0.001), while the VAS score (5.6) in the poor group was significantly higher than that in the good group (2.4, P<0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that VT and UV at injury (P<0.05), grip strength ratio (P<0.001) and pain (VAS score) (P<0.001) were all independently associated with a poor Q-DASH score. On the whole, the present study suggests that large amounts of fracture displacement, weakness of grip strength and post-operative pain can be factors interfering with the return to activity immediately following VLP fixation.

Binary Soong grading as a predictor for flexor pollicis longus tendon rupture after distal radial fracture fixation: a retrospective study.

This retrospective cohort study evaluates the concordance between Soong grades classified from radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans and whether a Soong grade ≥1 is associated with flexor pollicis longus (FPL) injury and reoperation incidence. We included 181 patients with 185 dorsally displaced distal radial fractures treated with anterior locking plates. For the analysis of binary Soong grades, grade 0 was compared with grades 1 and 2. A moderate correlation was found between Soong grades on radiographs and CT scans (MCC 0.66). FPL injury occurred in 3% (6/185) and reoperation in 15% (28/185) of cases. There was no statistically significant difference between Soong grades when correlated with the incidence of FPL injury or reoperation, but no patients with a Soong grade 0 had an FPL injury. Binary Soong grading is non-inferior in predictive value and has a better correlation between radiographs and CT scans. Using the Soong classification as a binary system may be easier than a ternary system in clinical practice.Level of evidence: IV.

The use of ultrasound to predict flexor tendinopathy after anterior locking plating of the distal radius.

This study compares ultrasound to clinical and radiographic measurements for assessing tendon pathology associated with distal radial anterior locking plates. A total of 46 patients undergoing removal of a distal radial plate had a preoperative clinical examination, radiographs and ultrasound evaluation to detect evidence of tendon irritation. Gross changes to the tendon were assessed during plate removal. In total, 32 patients demonstrated clinical abnormality. Soong 2 position was noted in 13 patients. Ultrasound revealed tenosynovitis in nine patients, tendon fibrillation or thickening in four patients and a single case of partial discontinuity. Intraoperative assessment revealed tenosynovitis in 28 patients and tendon fibre discontinuity in eight patients. Ultrasound findings were not predictive of intraoperative tenosynovitis and discontinuity. A relationship was noted between higher Soong grade, especially grade 2, and intraoperative presence of tenosynovitis, as well as Soong grade and amount of soft-tissue coverage. This study negates our hypothesis that ultrasound is useful for identifying tendinopathy after distal radial anterior plate fixation.Level of evidence: II.

Effect of the Sauvé-Kapandji method on the wrist contact surface for distal radial ulnar joint disorders.

BACKGROUND: The Sauvé-Kapandji (S-K) method is a surgical procedure performed for chronic deformities of the distal radial ulnar joint (DRUJ). Changes to the joint contact surface from pre- to postoperatively under physiological in vivo conditions have not yet been determined for this useful treatment. The aim of the present study was therefore to compare the articular contact area of the wrist joint between before and after the S-K method for DRUJ disorders. METHODS: The SK method was performed for 15 patients with DRUJ osteoarthritis and ulnar impaction syndrome. We calculated the Mayo Wrist Score as the patient's clinical findings and created 3-dimensional bone models of cases in which the S-K method was performed and calculated the contact area and shift in the center of the contact area using customized software. RESULTS: The Mean modified Mayo Wrist Score improved significantly from 60.3 preoperatively to 80.3 postoperatively (P < 0.01). Scaphoid contact area to the radius increased significantly from 112.6 ± 37.0 mm2 preoperatively to 127.5 ± 27.8 mm2 postoperatively (P = 0.03). Lunate contact area to radius-ulna was 121.3 ± 43.3 mm2 preoperatively and 112.5 ± 37.6 mm2 postoperatively, but this decrease was not significant (P = 0.38). Contact area ratio of scaphoid to lunate increased significantly from 1.01 ± 0.4 preoperatively to 1.20 ± 0.3 postoperatively (P = 0.02). Postoperative translations of the center of the scaphoid and lunate contact areas were decomposed into ulnar and proximal directions. Ulnar and proximal translation distances of the scaphoid contact area were 0.8 ± 1.7 mm and 0.4 ± 0.6 mm, respectively, and those of the lunate contact area were 1.1 ± 1.7 mm and 0.4 ± 1.1 mm, respectively. This study revealed changes in wrist contact area and center of the contact area before and after the S-K method. CONCLUSION: These results may accurately indicate changes in wrist joint contact area from pre- to postoperatively using the S-K method for patients with DRUJ disorder. Evaluation of changes in contact area due to bone surface modeling of the wrist joint using 3DCT images may be useful in considering surgical methods.