Compensatory motion in the upper extremity after elbow arthrodesis.
Ten healthy male subjects were asked to complete a series of tasks that represent normal elbow function. They were then fitted with a custom adjustable brace that simulated elbow arthrodesis at 50 degrees, 70 degrees, 90 degrees, and 110 degrees flexion and asked to repeat the tasks. The 3 Space Isotrak system was used to measure shoulder motion; a triaxial wrist goniometer was used to measure wrist compensation; and all subjects were videotaped to qualitatively observe other compensatory motion. Unlike other joints, elbow arthrodesis at any angle results in a significant impairment, since the adjacent shoulder and wrist joints cannot compensate to allow completion of activities.
O'Neill
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OR
Orthopedic Biomechanics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic/Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55905.
Morrey
B F
BF
Tanaka
S
S
An
K N
KN
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*