title: Influence of elbow flexion angle on mobilization of the proximal radio-ulnar joint: a motion analysis using cadaver specimens.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the most effective elbow joint flexion angle for mobilization of the proximal radio-ulnar joint. Five fresh-frozen cadaveric elbows were used to measure displacement of the radial head in the antero-medial and postero-lateral directions by traction force of 2kgf and 4kgf, respectively. Simulation of the gliding of the proximal radio-ulnar joint was performed at four elbow flexion angles (0 degrees , 30 degrees , 60 degrees , 90 degrees). Data obtained from those flexion angles were compared using one-way repeated measures analysis of variance. Radial head displacement at 60 degrees and 90 degrees during antero-medial gliding were significantly greater than those at 0 degrees and 30 degrees (p<0.05) There were no significant differences in radial head displacement among four elbow flexion angles during postero-lateral gliding at 2kgf and 4kgf. Our findings suggest that proximal radio-ulnar joint mobilization in the antero-medial direction can be performed effectively at 60 degrees and 90 degrees elbow flexion.
authors.affiliation: Graduate School of Health Sciences, Sapporo Medical University, School of Health Sciences, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Japan.
authors.forename: Sadanori
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ohshiro
authors.forename: Egi
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hidaka
authors.forename: Shigenori
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Miyamoto
authors.forename: Mitsuhiro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aoki
authors.forename: Toshihiko
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yamashita
authors.forename: Haruyuki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tatsumi
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002102:Cadaver; D017885:Collateral Ligaments / Q000502:physiology*; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D012016:Reference Values; D019415:Torque; D014457:Ulna / Q000502:physiology*