Summary
(1) Articular surfaces are classified as ovoid and sellar.
(2) Experiments upon joints and model surfaces are described.
(3) The results of these experiments are shown to be predictable from a simple theorem of the general geometry of surfaces.
(4) The mechanics of circumductions is examined. It is shown that saddle (sellar) surfaces are mechanically more efficient than ovoid surfaces for bringing about rotations combined with circumductions.
(5) Examples of the working of the last principle are drawn from joints of the hand and foot.
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References
Fick, R. (1910).Hb. d. Anat. d. Gelenke, Bd. 2, p. 221.
MacConaill, M. A. (1945).Proc. Roy. Irish Acad., 50 B 14;
(1946)Irish Jo. Med. Sci. (June), 246, 190.
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MacConaill, M.A. Studies in the mechanics of synovial joints. Ir J Med Sci 21, 223–235 (1946). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02952445
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02952445