Development and Validation of a Computational Model for Investigation of Wrist Biomechanics.

The computational model was able to accurately predict flexion, extension, radial deviation, and ulnar deviation motions in four states: normal (intact), RSL fusion, RSL fusion with the scaphoid distal pole excised, and RSL fusion with both the scaphoid distal pole and triquetrum excised. The model was also able to calculate other parameters of interest that are not easily obtainable experimentally, such as midcarpal forces. This model and modeling approach are anticipated to have value as a predictive clinical tool including effect of injuries or anatomical variations and initial outcome of surgical procedures for patient specific planning and custom implant design.  Majors BJ, Wayne JS. Ann Biomed Eng. 2011 Jul 28. [Epub ahead of print] PMID:  21796501]