[Fibrous structures of the wrist. III. Microscopic study. Rheologic consequences]

Each fibrous structure of 10 wrists of fresh cadavers has been the subject of a study without preparation with the surgical microscope, then of an histological study. These have been compared with the elastometric study of the controlateral homologous structure. The diameter of the fascicles, the length and the amplitude of the undulations of the collagen fibers had shown particularly characteristic. The comparison between both series shows up the close relation between the mechanical properties and the architecture of the fascicles, which is also perfectly measurable. It shows up the big differences between ligaments and tendons. The histological study of the tendons and ligaments of 4 other wrists, submitted to manoeuvres of stretching, of rupture and of incurvation, reinforces these results. The therapeutic consequences are considered.