Study of the Head of Human Dry Radii in a Medical College of Nepal: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: Radius is a lateral bone of forearm. Its proximal end forms a part of elbow joint and superior radioulnar joint. Knowledge of the shape and size of radial head is essential for construction of radial head prosthesis. The objective of this study is to study the morphology of head of human dry radii. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in human dry radii in the dissection hall of Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences, Sanobharyang, Kathmandu, Nepal from September to October 2019. Ethical approval was taken. Altogether, 68 dry bones were enrolled in the study by convenience sampling method. Radial head was studied in respect to anteroposterior and transverse diameter, height at medial and distal end and shape. Mean and standard deviations of the parameters were obtained by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20. RESULTS: Mean height of radial head at medial and lateral end was 0.91 cm and 0.76 cm respectively. Mean anteroposterior and transverse diameter of radial head were 2.09 cm and 2.02 cm respectively. Most common shape of radial head in this study was circular in 40 (59%) radii followed by elliptical in 23 (34%). Mean depth of the superior articular facet of the radial head was 0.19 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The most common shape of radial head is elliptical but it was found to be circular in this study. This study will be useful for orthopedic surgeons in making prosthesis of radial head.