A Goniometric study of radial and ulnar deviation in the population of central Gujarat

Abstract

Introduction: In the study of range of movement of wrist joint, accurate measurements on normal subjects are important since these have a bearing on diagnosis and prognosis in disease state. Objective: To determine the effects of age and gender on wrist motion in normal subjects on both hands. Material and Method: Four hundred subjects (Two hundred male and Two hundred Female) with the four age groups with no history of injury to the wrist joint were subjected to goniometric measurements with the wrist in ulnar and radial deviation of both hands through universal goniometer in Central Gujarat population. Result: Readings were noted, the radial deviation and total range of motion were higher in left hand as compared to right (p= 0.005). In addition, Female subjects showed higher range of motion than male and joint range of movement decrease with the increase of the age(r= -0.147 in right hand and r= -0.243 in left hand). Conclusion: The range of motion was reduced with the increases of age because of the presence of osteoporosis, cumulative damage and obesity with ageing process. Generally, females tend to have greater range of motions, due to the anatomical and physiological differences, such as the size of muscle mass, joint geometry and hormone. The reduced mobility on the right side compare with that on the left might have been the result of slight degenerative changes in the joint as well as damage to the ligaments of the right upper extremity in the right handed population.