Correlation of the radial inclination angle in the distal part of the radius with the volar cortical angle and age-related changes of these angles

Background/ Aim. The radial inclination (RI) and volar cortical (VC) angle values used in the treatment of radial distal end fractures may vary depending on factors such as the age and gender of the patient. That raises the question of the compatibility of the standard anatomical plates, which are frequently used in the surgical treatment of these fractures. The aim of the study was to evaluate the VC and RI angles depending on the age and gender of subjects and determine the correlation between these two angles. Methods. A total of 121 individuals (59 females and 62 males) aged 10-65 years were included in the study. The individuals were divided into two groups: a group of 60 adolescents (31 females, 29 males) 10- 20 years old and a group of 61 adults (28 females, 33 males) aged 20-65 years. The subjects were also evaluated between themselves, independently, within each age group. Radiographic images were evaluated by using the 3.0.1.55 version of the KarPacsViewer application. Measurement points were determined, and angles between these points were measured. Statistical analyses were made using the SPSS 15.0 program. Results. When the correlation for 121 individuals was assessed independently of their gender, no statistically significant relationship was found between the RI angle and age (p = 0.616; r = -0.046). A statistically negative (or opposite) relationship was found between the VC angle and age (p < 0.001; r = -0.396). When women and men were compared in terms of the RI and VC angles, no statistically significant difference was found (p = 0.958, p = 0.165, respectively). The VC angle decreased as the age increased in females (p = 0.004; r = -0.365), while both the RI and VC angles decreased with increasing age in males (p = 0.032, r = -0.273; p < 0.0001, r = -0.445, respectively). Conclusion. Our findings regarding the RI and VC angles offer an advantage in terms of determining which plate designs are most appropriate for planning surgical procedures and treatment processes.