Stability of the transverse carpal arch: an experimental study.
The mechanical characteristics of the transverse carpal arch were studied using fresh-frozen human cadaveric wrists. Tensile properties of the ligaments involved in this structure were also analyzed. The flexor retinaculum did not prove to be a major factor in the maintenance of the carpal arch since its division only reduced the global transverse carpal arch stiffness an average of 7.5%. On the contrary, the transverse intercarpal ligaments connecting the bones of the distal carpal row were shown to have an essential role in providing stability to the carpal tunnel.
Garcia-Elias
M
M
Department of Orthopedics, Mayo Clinic/Mayo Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905.
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K N
KN
Cooney
W P
WP
Linscheid
R L
RL
Chao
E Y
EY
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology