Regional Variations in Cartilage Thickness of the Radial Head: Implications for Prosthesis Design

Abstract

To characterize the regional variations in cartilage thickness around the radial head. We dissected 27 cadaveric radii and scanned them with computed tomography in neutral position. Three-dimensional cartilage and subchondral bone surface models were generated from computed tomography scans and 2 independent observers processed them through a computer program to obtain cartilage thickness measurements. These measurements were taken at 41 predetermined landmarks around the periphery of the radial head and within the articular dish. At the periphery of the radial head, cartilage was thickest in the posteromedial region. Thickness values within the articular dish were similar but increased toward the rim. Regional variations within the rim (range, 0.76-1.73 mm) were also detected with the thickest region located anteriorly and thinnest region laterally. In addition, cartilage was significantly thicker in male relative to female specimens. Regional variations in cartilage thickness are present around the periphery and rim and within the articular dish of the radial head. Cartilage thickness across the articular dish may contribute to dish depth andthe radius of curvature. This may be clinically important for the design of anatomic implants, because accounting for such subtle contours could help to restore radiocapitellar concavity-compression stability better.