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Flexor tendon forces: in vivo measurements.
F Schuind1, M Garcia-Elias, W P Cooney
1Department of Orthopedics, Mayo Clinic/Mayo Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905.
The Journal of Hand Surgery
|March 1, 1992
Summary
New S-shaped force transducers accurately measure forces on intact tendons. This data aids in understanding tendon repair resistance during post-surgical mobilization for carpal tunnel syndrome patients.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Biomechanics
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Measuring forces on intact tendons is crucial for understanding hand function and optimizing post-surgical rehabilitation.
- Existing methods may not accurately capture the dynamic forces experienced by tendons during movement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate S-shaped force transducers for measuring forces along intact tendons.
- To quantify tendon forces during passive and active wrist and finger motions in patients post-carpal tunnel surgery.
Main Methods:
- Development and calibration of novel S-shaped force transducers.
- Application of transducers to flexor pollicis longus and flexor digitorum tendons in five carpal tunnel syndrome patients.
- Measurement of tendon forces during passive/active wrist and finger motion and pinch tasks using a pinch meter.
Main Results:
- Tendon forces ranged from 0.1-0.6 kgf during passive wrist motion.
- Forces reached up to 0.9 kgf during passive finger motion and 3.5 kgf during active unresisted finger motion.
- Tip pinch function generated forces up to 12.0 kgf, with a mean applied pinch force of 3.5 kgf.
Conclusions:
- The developed S-shaped force transducers effectively measure intact tendon forces.
- These measurements provide valuable insights into the forces tendons withstand during various movements.
- Findings have implications for designing effective post-surgical mobilization protocols for tendon repairs.