Title: Normal and Abnormal in vivo Carpal Bone Motion
Summary: The specific aims of this project are focused in two areas. The first three test hypotheses on normal carpal mechanics and the fourth and fifth test hypotheses on pathological carpal mechanics. The goals are to detail the complete 3-D in vivo kinematics of the carpus. This knowledge will enhance understanding of carpal function and will lead to further studies on cartilaginous and ligamentous tissues. The goals of this project are to determine the effects of two pathologies (tears of the scapholunate interosseous ligament and scaphoid fracture nonunions) on the 3-D in vivo kinematics of the carpus, with the aim of providing improved diagnostic and treatment guidelines for clinical care.
Funding: Supported in part by National Institute of Health (NIH) and Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF)

Title: STT Joint
Summary: In vitro kinematic studies generally report that the trapezoid and trapezium are tightly linked and move together on a single path relative to the scaphoid during all directions of wrist motion. In contrast to previous in vitro studies, we performed an in vivo analysis of the trapezoids and trapeziums of 10 subjects (20 wrists) using a markerless bone registration technique. We found that, on a gross level, the in vivo STT motion was consistent with that reported in vitro. However, we also found small but statistically significant relative motions between the trapezoid and trapezium, slight off-path rotations and greater amounts of trapezoid and trapezium rotations in ulnar deviation than flexion or extension. The results of this study indicate that the STT joint should be considered a mobile joint with motions more complex than previously appreciated.
Funding: Supported in part by National Institute of Health (NIH) and Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF)