Purpose A technique to measure scapholunate distance based on four-dimensional computed tomography (4D CT)-acquired images is presented.

Methods Intra-observer variability was evaluated through a repeated-measures study. A 4D CT of seven patients suspected of scapholunate lesion was performed. Anatomical landmarks were identified on a three-dimensional reconstructed model of the wrist. All 4D CT datasets were evaluated thrice by two observers. Standard deviation of the differences between two measurements, interclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC) were calculated.

Results Intra-observer variability for the expert observer (ICC > 0.95) was lower than that of the novice observer (ICC > 0.77) and interobserver variability was low (ICC > 0.85). For the expert observer, measurement error (SEM < 0.13 mm and MDC < 0.36 mm) was smaller than that of the novice observer (SEM < 0.45 mm and MDC < 1.24 mm). Both SEM and MDC values were low, compared to the scan resolution and the absolute value of intervals.

Conclusion The proposed assessment results in a reproducible and reliable measurement of scapholunate distance.

Ethical approval was obtained from University Hospitals Leuven, Ethical Board.

Written informed consent was obtained from all subjects before the study.

W.C. provided technical support for 4D CT. E.S. and S.G. analyzed all data, supervised by L.S. and D.S. I.D. additionally supported the process. S.G. provided the final manuscript. All authors reviewed and edited the manuscript and approved the final version of the manuscript.

Received: 16 October 2023

Accepted: 27 March 2024

Article published online:
16 April 2024

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