AI Article Synopsis

  • The study aimed to map the 3-dimensional distribution of trabecular bone mineral density (BMD) in the proximal ulna to understand how it varies by region.
  • Using CT scans of nine cadaveric ulna samples, researchers analyzed the BMD across different areas, revealing that regions closer to the trochlear notch had higher BMD compared to those further away.
  • The findings suggest that when fixing proximal ulnar fractures, the hardware should target areas with the highest BMD, particularly the olecranon tip, to ensure better stability without damaging the ulnohumeral joint.

Article Abstract

Background: Although previous studies have measured general proximal forearm bone mineral density (BMD), no study has systematically mapped the 3-dimensional trabecular BMD of the proximal ulna. The aim of this study was to describe the 3-dimensional distribution of the trabecular bone density of the proximal ulna. We hypothesize a variable distribution of proximal ulna trabecular BMD depending on the region of interest (ROI).

Methods: Computed tomographic (CT) scans of 9 fresh-frozen cadaveric proximal ulna specimens with a mean age of 59.3 ± 8.1 years were studied. Each CT file was converted from DICOM to a QCT file that could be analyzed using QCT software (QCT Pro Version 6.1, Model 4 CT Calibration Phantom; MindWays Software Inc, Austin, TX, USA). The ROIs were defined as spheres of trabecular bone 3 mm in diameter located throughout the proximal ulna.

Results: ROIs proximal to the trochlear notch demonstrated higher BMD than ROIs distal to the trochlear notch. Furthermore, volar ROIs adjacent to the ulnohumeral joint tended to have higher BMD than dorsal ROIs. The highest BMD was found in the tip of the olecranon.

Conclusion: Hardware in fixation constructs for proximal ulnar fractures should be directed toward ROIs with the highest BMD to maximize purchase. Hardware should approach the ulnohumeral joint without penetrating the joint to capture trabecular bone with the highest BMD. The most important fixation in such a construct will be that which captures trabecular bone with maximum BMD proximal to the trochlear notch (eg, the tip of the olecranon).

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2019.09.040DOI Listing

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