A morphological and morphometric study of distal end of ulna with its clinical implications

Abstract

Background and Aim: The distal end of the ulna is of utmost anatomical importance for normal hand functioning. It can get damaged in various injuries such as avulsion of the ulnar styloid process or ulnar styloid triquetral impaction syndrome. Hence, the aim of this study is to measure the various dimensions of distal end of ulna and to look for its various morphological features. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on fifty dry ulnae of unknown sex. Length ofstyloid process, width of fovea, and pole and height ofseat were measured. Various morphological features of the distal end of ulna were also noted down. Results: The mean length of styloid process, width of fovea, and pole were 0.55, 0.47, and 0.56 cm, respectively. The mean height of seat was 0.72 cm. In 59.57% of cases, the styloid process was straight and in 78.7% of cases, the tip of the styloid process was blunt. The most common shape of pole was kidney shape in 48% of cases. Conclusion: The results of this study will be useful for hand surgeons in dealing with distal ulnar injuries and even for reconstruction of the distal radioulnar joint with prosthesis of distal end of ulna.