Scientific Publications Database

Article Title: Arthrokinematics of the Distal Radioulnar Joint Measured Using Intercartilage Distance in an In Vitro Model
Authors: Gammon, Braden; Lalone, Emily; Nishiwaki, Masao; Willing, Ryan; Johnson, James; King, Graham J. W.
Journal: JOURNAL OF HAND SURGERY-AMERICAN VOLUME Volume 43 Issue 3
Date of Publication:2018
Abstract:
Purpose Current techniques used to measure joint contact rely on invasive procedures and are limited to statically loaded positions. We sought to examine native distal radioulnar joint ( DRUJ) contact mechanics using nondestructive imaging methods during simulated active and passive forearm rotation.Methods Testing was performed using 8 fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens that were surgically prepared by isolating muscles involved in forearm rotation. A wrist simulator allowed for the evaluation of differences between active and passive forearm rotation. Three-dimensional cartilage surface reconstructions were created using volumetric data acquired from computed tomography. Using optically tracked motion data, the relative position of the cartilage models was rendered and used to measure DRUJ cartilage contact mechanics. The effects of forearm movement method and rotation angle on centroid coordinate data and DRUJ contact area were examined.Results The DRUJ contact area was maximal at 10 degrees supination. There was more contact area in supination than pronation for both active and passive forearm rotation. The contact centroid moved volarly with supination, with magnitudes of 10.5 +/- 2.6 mm volar for simulated active motion and 8.5 +/- 2.6mm volar for passive motion. Along the proximal-distal axis, the contact centroid moved 5.7 +/- 2.4mm proximal during simulated active motion. These findings were statistically significant. The contact centroid moved 0.2 +/- 3.1 mm distal during passive motion ( not significant).Conclusions It is possible to examine cartilage contact mechanics of the DRUJ nondestructively while undergoing simulated, continuous active and passive forearm rotation. The contact centroid moved volarly and proximally with supination. There were higher contact area values in supination compared with pronation, with a peak value at 10 degrees supination.