Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 4, 2026

Method to Measure Tone of Axial and Proximal Muscle
Published on: December 14, 2011
Axial Rotation Test for Trapeziometacarpal Joint Hypermobility in the Normal Population
Ryan A Odgers1, Ghazi M Rayan1
1* Hand Surgery Division, INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
Background:
The objective was to quantify joint laxity in healthy volunteers by measuring the passive axial rotation of the trapeziometacarpal joint using the axial rotation test.
Methods:
Eighty volunteers (34 men and 46 women) were subjected to the axial rotation shear test and the degree of total rotational motion (TRM) was assessed. Volunteers were divided into Group I with a range of 18-50 years old and Group II for 51 years and older. Statistical analysis was performed.
Results:
The average TRM in Group I was 32.3 mm for women, and 27.4 mm, for men (p = 0.04). The average TRM in women of Groups I and II, was 32.3 and 21.6 mm respectively, (p < 0.001). The average TRM in men of Groups I and II, was 27.4 and 19.4 mm (p < 0.001). In Group II the average TRM of women was 21.6 mm, and for men was 19.4 mm, which was not significantly different.
Conclusions:
Young women have greater degree of rotational laxity in the TM joint compared to men of the same age group and to older women. The axial rotation test can quantify the degree of rotational laxity of the TM joint.
Related Concept Videos
Normal Strain under Axial Loading
Axial and Appendicular Muscles
Axial Muscles
Axial muscles, situated along the body's midline, are intricately connected to the axial skeleton, which includes the skull, spine, ribs, and sternum. These muscles facilitate facial expressions and...
Structural Joints: Synovial Joints
Structural Joints: Fibrous Joints
Suture
All the bones of the skull, except for the mandible, are joined to each other by a fibrous joint called a suture. The fibrous connective tissue found at a suture strongly unites the adjacent skull bones and thus helps to protect the brain and form the face. In...
Structural Joints: Cartilaginous Joints
There are two types of cartilaginous joints:
Synchondrosis
A synchondrosis ("joined by cartilage") is a cartilaginous joint where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage. Synchondrosis may be temporary...
Joints
Structural joint classifications are based on the material that makes up the joint as well as whether or not the joint contains a space between the bones. Joints are structurally classified as fibrous, cartilaginous, or synovial.
Fibrous Joints Are Immovable
The bones of a...

