Axial loading induces rotation of the proximal carpal row bones around unique screw-displacement axes

Masayuki Kobayashi, Marc Garcia-Elias, Ladislav Nagy, Marco J.P.F. Ritt, Kai Nan An, William P. Cooney, Ronald L. Linscheid

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

61 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The changes in carpal bone alignment secondary to the aplication of an axial compressive load through the major wrist motor tendons while the wrist is kept in neutral position (isometric loading) have been investigated on 13 fresh cadaver specimens using a biplanar radiographic method of kinematic analysis. The scaphoid, lunate and triquetrum rotate an average of 5.1, 4.2 and 3.8°, respectively, around different 'screw displacement axes', all implying flexion, radial deviation and supination. Based on these findings, a new interpretation of the mechanism by which the wrist remains stable under physiologic loads is provided.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1165-1167
Number of pages3
JournalJournal of Biomechanics
Volume30
Issue number11-12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 1997

Keywords

  • Carpal bones
  • Carpal ligaments
  • Stability
  • Wrist
  • Wrist kinetics

Cite this