Abstract
This study evaluates the morphometric characteristics of the volar distal radius, specifically volar curvature, scaphoid and lunate facet inclinations, and ulnar variance, in the Anatolian population. By identifying these population specific morphological variations, the study seeks to support improved anatomical compatibility of volar implants and enhance surgical planning for distal radius fracture fixation. Morphometric measurements were analyzed retrospectively on three-dimensional computed tomography images of 103 intact distal radii. Standardized sagittal sections were created through the midpoints of the scaphoid and lunate fossae, and volar curvature was quantified as the angle between the radial shaft axis and the volar cortex at 1 cm and 2 cm proximal to the distal radius volar rim on each section. Volar inclination angles were measured at 1 cm and 2 cm. Additionally, volar width (G), scaphoid facet inclination (SFI), lunate facet inclination (LFI), interfacet angle (IFA), and ulnar variance were evaluated. Volar curvature measured 1 cm and 2 cm proximal to the scaphoid and lunate fossae was significantly greater in males than females (p < .05). The mean transverse volar width was 26.5 mm, with no significant differences according to gender, age, or laterality (p > .05). The mean ulnar variance was − 2.0 ± 2.2 mm, while the mean LFI, SFI, and IFA were − 0.1° ± 8.4°, 26.1° ± 6.9°, and 24.2° ± 10.4°, respectively. This study demonstrates notable anatomical variations in the volar distal radius within the Anatolian population, particularly in volar curvature, scaphoid and lunate facet inclinations, and ulnar variance. These population specific morphometric differences underscore the importance of integrating multiple volar parameters into preoperative planning, as they may directly influence implant selection and improve the accuracy of distal radius fracture fixation.
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Data availability
The datasets generated and analysed during the current study are not publicly available due to the nature of the data (reconstructed radiological CT images obtained from the hospital archive), but are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to sincerely thank the Acıbadem University Scientific Research Projects Office for their support in the planning and execution of this study. Special thanks are also extended to the academics and staff of the Department of Anatomy at Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa for their valuable contributions throughout the study.
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Author Contributions: P.İ. collected, compiled, and analyzed the data, and wrote the manuscript. U.N. conceptualized the study and curated the data. O.K. performed formal analysis and data validation. A.B. supervised the project and reviewed the manuscript. A.V.İ. created the figures and assisted with the methodology. G.K.Y. supervised and edited the manuscript.
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İsmailoğlu, P., Nalbantoğlu, U., Tok, O. et al. Distal radius morphometry of volar curvature along with scaphoid and lunate facet inclinations and ulnar variance in the Anatolian population. Sci Rep (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-35123-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-35123-2
