Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2025
Vacuum-Sealed Hot Water Bath Immersion for the Preparation of Anatomical and Surgical Cadaveric Bone Models
Published on: December 2, 2022
Is the cadaveric model valid for examining orthopaedic manual therapy techniques? A cross-sectional comparative study
Carlos López-de-Celis1, Jacobo Rodríguez-Sanz2, Segi Gassó-Villarejo2
1Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat International de Catalunya, C/Josep Trueta SN. Sant Cugat del Vallés (Barcelona), 08195 Barcelona, Spain; ACTIUM Functional Anatomy Group, C/Josep Trueta SN, Sant Cugat del Vallés (Barcelona), Spain; Fundació Institut Universitari per a la recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), 08007 Barcelona, Spain.
Background:
Cadaveric models are sometimes used to test the effect of manual techniques. We have not found any studies comparing the effect of tibiotarsal joint distraction on cadaveric models versus live models for clinical use. The aim was to compare the effect on tibiotarsal joint distraction movement when applying three force magnitudes of tibiotarsal axial traction technique force between a cadaveric model and volunteers. In addition, to compare the magnitude of force applied between the cadaveric model and volunteers. Finally, to assess the reliability of applying the same magnitude of force in three magnitudes of tibiotarsal axial traction force.
Methods:
A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted. Sixty ankle joints were in open-packed position and three magnitudes of tibiotarsal axial traction technique force were applied. Tibiotarsal joint distraction movement was measured with ultrasound.
Findings:
No differences were found in applied force or tibiotarsal joint distraction between volunteers and cadavers in each magnitude of force (p > 0.05). The application of the technique showed moderate reliability for detecting low forces in both models. For medium and high force, it showed good reliability in the in vitro model and excellent reliability in the live model.
Interpretation:
The amount of distraction produced in the tibiotarsal joint was similar in volunteers and cadavers. The cadaveric model is a valid model for testing and investigating orthopaedic manual therapy techniques. The force applied was similar in the two models. Medium and high force detection showed good reliability, while low force showed moderate.
