Impact load on the triangular fibrocartilage of the wrist: a cadaver study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to study the role of the triangular fibrocartilage of the wrist in attenuating and transmitting axial force on the ulnar side of the wrist.


METHODS
Ten biopsies from the triangular fibrocartilage of fresh cadaver wrists were subjected to repetitive axial load during 4 h under reproducible conditions. Another five biopsies were subjected to a higher load and for a longer compression time. Finally, five biopsies were compressed at a (three times) higher compression rate. The amount of force transmitted and attenuated as well as the loaded deformation was measured.


RESULTS
From the first experiment we concluded that 53% of the axial force was attenuated. More force was attenuated (61%) if the axial load was increased but still kept within the physiological boundaries. However, increasing the compression rate beyond the physiological boundaries showed that only very little force is attenuated (11.2%).


CONCLUSIONS
The triangular fibrocartilage of the wrist has an important force attenuating function and should not be easily resected.
Schuurman
Arnold H
AH
Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Hand Surgery, University Medical Center, Utrecht, 3508GA, The Netherlands.
Kauer
John M G
JM
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001706:Biopsy; D002102:Cadaver; D002356:Cartilage / Q000502:physiology*; D019245:Compressive Strength; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D014457:Ulna; D014953:Wrist