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Three-dimensional motion analysis of compensatory movements in patients with radioulnar synostosis performing activities of daily living

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Journal of Orthopaedic Science

Abstract

Background

The aim of this study was to quantify the compensatory movements of the shoulder and elbow in patients with congenital radioulnar synostosis during 10 activities of daily living (ADL).

Methods

Maximum and minimum joint angles and range of motion were measured by use of a motion capture system in seven patients and seven matched controls. The forearm was fixed in 0° of rotation in four patients and in 20° of pronation in three patients.

Results

The main compensatory movements were shoulder internal/external rotation during five ADL tasks, shoulder abduction/adduction and elbow flexion/extension during three tasks, and shoulder flexion/extension during two tasks. These compensatory movements were observed mainly when turning a key and drawing.

Conclusions

Patients with congenital radioulnar synostosis in nearly neutral rotation could perform all ADL tasks with the aid of compensatory movements of the shoulder and elbow.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, Orthopaedic University Hospital of Heidelberg, Schlierbacher Landstrasse 200 A, 69118, Heidelberg, Germany

    Philip Kasten, Oliver Rettig, Markus Loew, Sebastian Wolf & Patric Raiss

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  1. Philip Kasten
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  2. Oliver Rettig
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  3. Markus Loew
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  4. Sebastian Wolf
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  5. Patric Raiss
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Kasten, P., Rettig, O., Loew, M. et al. Three-dimensional motion analysis of compensatory movements in patients with radioulnar synostosis performing activities of daily living. J Orthop Sci 14, 307–312 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00776-009-1332-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00776-009-1332-0

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