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Maximum loading of carpal bones during movements: a finite element study

  • Original Article • WRIST - BIOMECHANICS
  • Published:
European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

Maximum stresses show critical points on an object because failure may start from the area close to maximum stress points. However, there appears no study on maximum loading points of carpal bones.

Purpose

To clarify the loading pattern of each carpal bone during wrist movements.

Methods

A finite element wrist model was designed using a three-dimensional reconstruction of computed tomographic images from the distal end of radius and ulna to the proximal third of metacarpals. Loading was performed in neutral, 45° of flexion and extension, 5° of radial and 25° of ulnar deviation, and maximum loading points were plotted.

Results

In each position except for extension, minimum loads were carried by triquetrum, while minimum loads were carried by capitatum in extension. Maximum loads were carried by trapezium in neutral and ulnar deviation and flexion but by scaphoideum in radial deviation and extension.

Conclusion

Studies on maximum loading of each bone are a new approach and may help to improve the knowledge on wrist mechanics.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. HGO Ind. and Trade Inc., Izmir, Turkey

    H. Oflaz

  2. Department of Orthopedics, Dokuz Eylul University Hospital, Maltepe Mah. 124 Sokak, No: 4, 35310, Guzelbahce, Izmir, Turkey

    I. Gunal

Authors
  1. H. Oflaz
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  2. I. Gunal
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to I. Gunal.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Additional information

I. Gunal–Retired. Formerly Professor at Department of Orthopedics, Dokuz Eylul University Hospital.

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Oflaz, H., Gunal, I. Maximum loading of carpal bones during movements: a finite element study. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 29, 47–50 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-018-2287-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-018-2287-7

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