The authors reviewed 76 normal wrist arthrograms in 38 subjects in order to quantify the Gilula method for measurement of lunate uncovering. Posteroanterior views in neutral, radial deviation, and ulnar deviation were assessed. Normal values for the Gilula method were 40% lunate uncovering in neutral, 49% in radial and 20% in ulnar deviation. The authors conclude that ulnar translation of the carpus can be measured reliably on neutral and radially deviated posteroanterior views, but that different normal values for each view should be used.
A number of radiographic methods of measuring ulnocarpal translation have been described (Chamay et al 1983; DiBenedetto et al 1990; Gilula and Weeks 1978; McMurtry et al 1978; Schuind et al 1992; Trentham and Masi 1976). In rheumatoid wrists, the method of Gilula was found by Pirela-Cruz et al (1993) to be the most practical and sensitive method for screening of ulnar translation of the carpus. Knowledge of normal values for the Gilula method on neutral and radially deviated wrist views may be useful in assessing traumatic wrist injuries since wrist radiographs are often suboptimal in this setting.