Radiographic Spectrum of Severity in Madelung's Deformity

PurposeTo establish whether Madelung's deformity demonstrates a radiographic continuum of severity and whether a forme fruste does exist.MethodsUlnar 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.ResultsRanges of 15° to 51° (mean, 28°) 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° to 56° (mean, 33°) for lunate fossa angle were obtained. Significant correlations were observed between all measurements.ConclusionsMadelung's deformity encompasses a spectrum of radiographic abnormality.Type of study/level of evidenceDiagnostic I.