Scaphoid kinematics before and after scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal ligament section. Assessment by radiostereometric analysis and computed tomography in a cadaver study

J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2010 Oct;35(8):637-45. doi: 10.1177/1753193410368615. Epub 2010 Apr 28.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to measure changes in scaphoid kinematics after division of scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal ligaments, with the intention of determining a clinical measure that could be detected by computed tomography. Twelve freshly frozen cadaver upper extremities were marked with tantalum beads and fixed in positions of neutral, 30° extension, and 40° ulnar deviation. Stereoradiographs for bone migration analysis by radiostereometric analysis and computed tomography scans for visible assessment were obtained before and after scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal ligament section. After ligament resection there was a scaphoid supination of 5° and a small (less than 1 mm) radial, distal, and dorsal translation of the distal pole in 30° of wrist extension. In computed tomography reconstructions, the ligament section appeared as a 1 to 2 mm gap in the scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal corner, with loss of articulation between the distal scaphoid pole and the trapezoid bone and increased scaphoid flexion.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Biomechanical Phenomena*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted*
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional*
  • Ligaments, Articular / diagnostic imaging
  • Ligaments, Articular / physiopathology*
  • Ligaments, Articular / surgery*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Range of Motion, Articular / physiology*
  • Scaphoid Bone / diagnostic imaging
  • Scaphoid Bone / physiopathology*
  • Scaphoid Bone / surgery*
  • Software
  • Tomography, Spiral Computed*
  • Trapezium Bone / diagnostic imaging
  • Trapezium Bone / physiopathology*
  • Trapezium Bone / surgery*
  • Trapezoid Bone / diagnostic imaging
  • Trapezoid Bone / physiopathology*
  • Trapezoid Bone / surgery*