Positive ulnar variance

Last revised by Daniel J Bell on 14 Oct 2022

Positive ulnar variance describes where the distal articular surface of the ulna is more than 2.5 mm distal to the articular surface of the radius. 

It plays important role in wrist pathology such as ulnar impaction syndromes and thinning of the triangular fibrocartilage complex.

Radiographic features

Maximum forearm pronation results in an increase in positive ulnar variance, whereas maximum forearm supination decreases ulnar variance 1.

See also

ADVERTISEMENT: Supporters see fewer/no ads

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.