In vivo contact stresses at the radiocarpal joint using a finite element method of the complete wrist joint

Gislason, Magnus Kjartan and Nash, David (2008) In vivo contact stresses at the radiocarpal joint using a finite element method of the complete wrist joint. In: 16th Congress of the European Society of Biomechanics, 2008-07-06 - 2008-07-09.

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Abstract

A small number of cadaveric studies have been carried out looking at the force transmission through the radiocarpal joint. Pressure sensitive films have been placed at the joint to estimate the contact stresses under loading of the wrist [Tencer 1988]. Measurements using pressure sensitive films are difficult to quantify and the invasive procedure of placing the films could potentially perturb the joints. Tencer et al reported average contact pressure of 3.2 MPa, with the cadaveric wrist loaded with a compressive load of 103 N. Computational studies have also addressed this issue. In 2003 Carrigan et al created a finite element model of the wrist and reported contact stresses of 2.6 MPa at the distal end of the radius. The loading was 15 N compressive loading acting on the capitate. Under loading the wrist can take up large amount of force with values around 2 times bodyweight travelling through the joints [Chadwick & Nicol 2000]. In this study subject specific finite element models were created of the whole wrist joint using measured biomechanical data to capture the forces acting on the wrist with the hand generating a maximum gripping force.

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