Abstract
Background Distal radius (DR) reconstruction due to high-energy trauma, degenerative processes,
and oncologic resections can be a challenge when the articular surface is destroyed
or resected. This study investigates the possibility of using the cuboid bone of the
foot to replace the osteoarticular surface of DR.
Purposes We compared the three-dimensional (3D) morphology of the articular surface of three
foot bones with that of the DR to analyze which one would be the most suitable to
replace it.
Materials and Methods 3D bone models were created from a computed tomography (CT) scan database. The articular
surfaces of calcaneus, cuboid bone, and lateral cuneiform bone were compared with
that of the DR using the Hausdorff-Besicovitch morphometry analysis. Mean, maximum,
and minimum differences were obtained and statistically analyzed.
Results The cuboid bone had a mean overall area difference with the DR of 0.72 mm (standard
deviation [SD], 0.03 mm). The lateral cuneiform bone showed 0.89 mm (SD, 0.08 mm).
The calcaneus presented 1.04 mm (SD, 0.06 mm). The differences and the variability
of the articular surface were statistically lower in the cuboid bone.
Conclusion The articular surface of the cuboid bone has many similarities to the articular surface
of the DR and had the most similarities to the DR of the foot bones study. The cuboid
bone could be considered as a replacement for the DR in cases where there is a need
for osteoarticular replacement or reconstruction. Further investigations are warranted.
Clinical Relevance A vascularized transfer of the cuboid bone may be a suitable option to replace a
DR given the anatomical similarities reported.
Keywords
distal radius reconstruction - cuboid bone flap - distal radioulnar joint - reconstructive
surgery - microsurgery
