Theoretical distribution of load in the radius and ulna carpal joint.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this study is to validate a model for the analysis of the load distribution through the wrist joint, subjected to forces on the axes of the metacarpals from distal to proximal for two different mesh densities.


METHOD
To this end, the Rigid Body Spring Model (RBSM) method was used on a three-dimensional model of the wrist joint, simulating the conditions when making a grip handle. The cartilage and ligaments were simulated as springs acting under compression and tension, respectively, while the bones were considered as rigid bodies. At the proximal end of the ulna the movement was completely restricted, and the radius was allowed to move only in the lateral/medial direction.


RESULTS
With these models, we found the load distributions on each carpal articular surface of radius. Additionally, the results show that the percentage of the applied load transmitted through the radius was about 86% for one mesh and 88% for the coarser one; for the ulna it was 21% for one mesh and 18% for the coarser.


CONCLUSIONS
The obtained results are comparable with previous outcomes reported in prior studies. The latter allows concluding that, in theory, the methodology can be used to describe the changes in load distribution in the wrist.
['Márquez-Florez|Kalenia|K|', 'Vergara-Amador|Enrique|E|', 'de Las Casas|Estevam Barbosa|EB|', 'Garzón-Alvarado|Diego A|DA|']
D000328:Adult D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena D002348:Carpal Bones D050824:Carpal Joints D002356:Cartilage D019245:Compressive Strength D006801:Humans D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional D008024:Ligands D008297:Male D009068:Movement D011312:Pressure D011884:Radius D013314:Stress, Mechanical D014457:Ulna D016474:Weight-Bearing D014953:Wrist D014955:Wrist Joint
Radius Ulna Biomechanics of the wrist Carpal mechanics Joint analysis Load transmission