Optimal position for the one-bone forearm. An analysis using a hinged brace in normal subjects

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Biomechanics
• Hand Surgery

Background:

• The forearm's rotational capacity is crucial for hand function.
• Optimal forearm positioning for specific tasks remains an area of interest in rehabilitation and orthopedics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the optimal forearm position for functional hand use.
• To evaluate the impact of forearm fixation on fine motor skills.

Main Methods:

• Eight healthy participants were enrolled in the study.
• A hinged brace was used to fix the forearm in various pronation and supination positions.
• Functional hand performance was assessed using the Jebsen et al. hand function tests.

Main Results:

• Forearm fixation at 30 degrees of pronation yielded the highest scores in functional hand testing.
• This position demonstrated superior performance for tasks requiring fine motor control, such as writing and handling small objects.

Conclusions:

• A one-bone forearm fixed at 30 degrees of pronation is recommended for optimizing hand function.
• This finding has implications for post-injury or post-surgical rehabilitation protocols to maximize functional recovery.