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Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics of the Hand

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Book cover Hand Function

Abstract

Rehabilitation of the impaired hand is complicated and, in many cases, unworkable without the knowledge of its anatomy and biomechanics. This knowledge is needed not only for determining the appropriate treatment but also to prevent irreversible problems that occur in the rehabilitation of the inured hand, e.g., the adduction contractures of the thumb.

The intricate anatomy of the hand with its many structures working together makes analysis of hand function something for the experienced doctor and/or therapists. Not only are the fingers and its structures widely connected and therefore influence each other; there are few spare parts and little redundancy. If one finger, or even a small part of a tendon or ligament tendon, does not move, the whole hand can have an impaired function.

This chapter aims to describe the most important aspects of the anatomy and biomechanics of the hand.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC: University Medical Center, Gravendijkwal 230, 2040, Rotterdam, 3000 CA, The Netherlands

    Ton A. R. Schreuders Ph.D.

  2. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam/Hoevelaken Koolmeeslaan 18, 3871 HG, Hoevelaken, The Netherlands

    J. Wim Brandsma Ph.D., P.T.

  3. Rehabilitation Medicine and Physical Therapy, Erasmus MC: University Medical Center, Gravendijkwal 230, 2040, Rotterdam, 3000 CA, The Netherlands

    Henk J. Stam M.D., Ph.D., F.R.C.P.

Authors
  1. Ton A. R. Schreuders Ph.D.
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  2. J. Wim Brandsma Ph.D., P.T.
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  3. Henk J. Stam M.D., Ph.D., F.R.C.P.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ton A. R. Schreuders Ph.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Marmara University Medical School, Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey

    Mehmet Tuncay Duruöz

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Schreuders, T.A.R., Brandsma, J.W., Stam, H.J. (2014). Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics of the Hand. In: Duruöz, M. (eds) Hand Function. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-9449-2_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-9449-2_1

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4614-9448-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-9449-2

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