Morphometry of the Distal Radius and Its Implications for Internal Fixation Among Patients at the Federal Medical Centre Yola

Distal radius fractures are the most common upper limb fractures, particularly among postmenopausal women and young adults following high-energy trauma. Surgical fixation using volar locking plates requires precise knowledge of distal radius morphometry to ensure appropriate implant selection and placement. Standard implant systems used in Nigeria are designed using European or Asian morphometric data, potentially resulting in suboptimal fit for Nigerian patients. This study aims to document the morphometric parameters of the distal radius, including articular width, dorsopalmar depth, inclination angle, volar tilt, and ulnar variance, among adult patients presenting with distal radius fractures at the Federal Medical Centre Yola, Adamawa State, North East Nigeria. Measurements will be obtained from standard plain radiographs of the injured and contralateral wrists using digital measurement tools. Data will be stratified by sex and age group. The study anticipates identifying differences between established non-Nigerian implant design parameters and the distal radius dimensions of North East Nigerian adults, supporting evidence-based advocacy for locally designed orthopaedic implants.

Keywords: distal radius, morphometry, fracture, internal fixation, Yola