[Biomechanical modelling of the wrist joint]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Biomechanics
• Medical Engineering

Background:

• The hand is a complex joint mechanism vital for function and communication.
• Hand injuries range from minor to severe, causing significant functional loss and economic burden.
• Restoring the balance between joint stress and applied stress is essential for long-term joint health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and analyze existing biomechanical wrist models.
• To evaluate the clinical applicability of current models for wrist injuries.
• To identify the need for a validated biomechanical wrist model.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a literature review on biomechanical wrist models.
• Systematically analyzed existing models.
• Assessed model suitability for pathological changes, therapy, and injury simulation.

Main Results:

• Restoring normal wrist biomechanics is key to successful therapy and unimpaired joint function.
• Current wrist joint models are simplified, often contradictory, and lack validation.
• No uniform, validated biomechanical wrist model currently exists.

Conclusions:

• A validated biomechanical wrist model is necessary to address complex clinical problems.
• Such a model would aid in computer-aided planning and intervention for systematized therapies.
• Improved therapeutic success can be achieved through model-based approaches.