Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Niknejad M, Knipe H, Bell D, et al. Positive carpal sign. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 06 Oct 2024) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-22010
Disclosures:
At the time the article was last revised Henry Knipe had the following disclosures:
- Integral Diagnostics, Shareholder (ongoing)
- Micro-X Ltd, Shareholder (ongoing)
These were assessed during peer review and were determined to
not be relevant to the changes that were made.
View Henry Knipe's current disclosures
The positive carpal sign is a useful radiographic sign for the diagnosis of Turner syndrome in association with other musculoskeletal manifestations. Abnormality in the shape of the proximal carpal row in the dorsopalmar radiographs of the wrist and hand (taken in the neutral position is key to the sign).
Measurement
Two tangent lines must be drawn, the first touching the proximal contour of the scaphoid and lunate bones and the second touching the triquetral and lunate bones. The intersection of these tangents resulted in an angle called the carpal angle.
Interpretation
When there is an abnormal angular shape of the proximal carpal row and the carpal angle is ≤117° this is called the positive carpal sign 4. Although a positive carpal sign may be seen in ~5% of the normal population, the incidence of this sign in gonadal dysgenesis (e.g. Turner syndrome) is ~10x higher than in normal subjects 4.
-
1. Tauber M, Lounis N, Coulet J, Baunin C, Cahuzac J, Rochiccioli P. Wrist Anomalies in Turner Syndrome Compared with Leri-Weill Dyschondrosteosis: A New Feature in Turner Syndrome. Eur J Pediatr. 2004;163(8):475-81. doi:10.1007/s00431-004-1471-4 - Pubmed
-
2. Bercu B, Kramer S, Bode H. A Useful Radiologic Sign for the Diagnosis of Turner's Syndrome. Pediatrics. 1976;58(5):737-9. - Pubmed
-
3. Tiu C, Liu T, Hsieh C, Niu D, Chen J, Jong T. Turner Syndrome Phalangeal Screening Based on a Two-Stage Linear Regression Concept. Pediatr Int. 2009;51(4):453-9. doi:10.1111/j.1442-200X.2008.02797.x - Pubmed
-
4. Kosowicz J. The Carpal Sign in Gonadal Dysgenesis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1962;22(10):949-52. doi:10.1210/jcem-22-10-949 - Pubmed
Promoted articles (advertising)
Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.