Distal radius: anatomical morphometric gender characteristics. Do anatomical pre-shaped plates pay attention on it?

The purpose of the study was to investigate differences in the osseous structure anatomy of male and female distal radii. Morphometric data were obtained of 49 distal human cadaveric radii. An imprint of the distal edge was attained using silicone mass and the palmar cortical angle (PCA) of the lateral and intermediate column, here declared as medial, according to the concept of Rikli and Rigazzoni. The lateral and medial length and five widths were digitally measured by three observers. In order to compare the measurements an unpaired t test was used. To prove the reliability of the measurements an intraclass correlation analyses was done. Overall mean medial PCA was 148.25A degrees (SD +/- A 6.83) and mean lateral PCA 156.07A degrees (SD +/- A 7.00). In male specimens, the mean medial PCA was 147.38A degrees (SD +/- A 6.01) and mean lateral PCA was 153.6A degrees (SD +/- A 6.20) whereas in female specimens, the mean medial PCA was 149.41A degrees (SD +/- A 7.79) and the mean lateral PCA 159.37A degrees (SD +/- A 6.78), with statistical significance for the female lateral PCA. No gender significant difference for the medial PCA and no significant side difference for the PCA's could be found. The ICC of the observers was r = 0.936 and 0.976 for the medial and for lateral PCA 0.957-0.984. The palmar cortical length of the distal radius was significantly longer in male specimens. For all widths, larger values for male radii were measured, being statistically significant in all cases. Male dimensions concerning the wide were significantly larger when compared with females. Regarding the PCA at the medial and lateral column, we found significant difference for lateral PCA concerning the gender. Overall, study results demonstrated an angle of 148.25A degrees A A +/- A 6.83 for the medial PCA and 156.07A degrees A A +/- A 7.00 for the lateral PCA.