The current research of normal carpal kinematics / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

The study of normal carpal kinematics has a history of only about 100 years. The initial in vitro research has shifted to the recent in vitro research. Information about the 3 dimensional movements of the carpal bones in vitro was obtained in studies using implanted radiopaque markers or transcutaneous pins with biplanar radiography, low frequency magnetic field technology and reconstructing the geometry of the bones from computed tomography (CT). On the other hand, information about the 3 dimensional movements of the carpal bones in vitro was obtained in studies reconstructing the geometry of the bones from computed tomography (CT) and using the advanced matching techniques. Most of the results obtained through the two methods are in concordance. The distal row of bones is relatively tightly bound to one another and the proximal row of bones is less so but still moving together. The foundation of the carpal kinematics was laid by in vitro studies. In vitro data largely concur with in vitro data, and only larger out of plane motions within the proximal carpal row are described in most in vitro studies. In vitro studies have also showed larger interindividual variations. Due to the limitations of both in vitro and in vitro studies, so far there has been no unanimity about the interpretation of carpal functional anatomy. In this paper, the authors summarize the research advances in normal carpal kinematics.