Purpose
To investigate changes in the lengths of selected carpal ligaments during wrist radioulnar
deviation in vivo.
Methods
We studied in vivo changes in the lengths of fibers of 5 palmar and dorsal intracapsular ligaments of
the wrist during radioulnar deviation in 6 wrists of healthy volunteers using a noninvasive
approach. Using serial computed tomography scans and volume registration techniques,
the carpal kinematics were examined at 4 positions, from 40° ulnar deviation to 20°
radial deviation, in 20° increments. The 3-dimensional structures of the carpal bones,
distal radius and ulna, and metacarpal bones were reconstructed using customized software.
We modeled the paths of fibers of 5 palmar and dorsal carpal ligaments: radioscaphocapitate
(RSC), long radiolunate (LRL), ulnocapitate (UC), dorsal intercarpal (DIC), and dorsal
radiocarpal (DRC) ligaments. We analyzed changes in the lengths of these ligaments
during wrist radioulnar deviation.
Results
During wrist ulnar deviation, the RSC, LRL, and DIC ligaments lengthened significantly.
During radial deviation, the UC and DRC ligaments lengthened significantly. Compared
with their lengths at the neutral position of the carpus, the LRL ligament showed
the greatest elongation rate at wrist ulnar deviation, and the DRC ligament showed
the greatest elongation rate at wrist radial deviation among the 5 ligaments studied.
Conclusions
Among ligaments measured, the RSC, LRL, and DIC ligaments are tensed during wrist
ulnar deviation. The UC and DRC ligaments are tensed during wrist radial deviation.
Results of this in vivo study suggest that radial or ulnar deviation may predispose some carpal ligaments
to excessive tensile load. The finding that the ligaments undergo different elongation
rates during wrist motion may also indicate their roles in maintaining normal wrist
kinematics.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
November 14,
2008
Received:
August 14,
2008
Footnotes
Supported by grants from the Health Bureau of Jiangsu Province, the Fund to Jiangsu Hand Surgery Center, and the Department Fund of the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University.
No benefits in any form have been received or will be received related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.
Identification
Copyright
© 2009 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
