Distal radius measurements: PA view

Three important measurements can be determined, using the PA view, to assess the distal radius. Radial inclination is the angle between one line drawn perpendicular to the long axis of the radius and a second line from the tip of the radial styloid to the central reference point (CRP). Radial height is the distance between two lines drawn perpendicular to the long axis of the radius: one through the distal tip of the radial styloid, the second through the CRP. Ulnar variance is the distance between this second line through the CRP and a line through the distal articular surface of the ulnar head. Measurements are often abnormal when a fracture of the distal radius is present.