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Carpal instability in the weight-bearing upper extremity
W Schroer1, S Lacey, F S Frost
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44121, USA.
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume
|December 1, 1996
Summary
Carpal instability is common in paraplegic patients due to chronic wrist stress. The longer individuals bear weight on upper extremities, the higher the prevalence of this condition.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Carpal instability can affect individuals with spinal cord injuries.
- Repetitive stress on the wrist is a potential contributing factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of carpal instability in paraplegic patients.
- To establish a link between chronic wrist stress and carpal instability.
Main Methods:
- Study included 162 paraplegic patients.
- Assessed for static carpal instability without acute wrist injury history.
Main Results:
- Nine of 162 patients (5.6%) exhibited static carpal instability.
- Non-dissociative volar intercalated segmental instability was the predominant pattern.
- Prevalence increased with duration of upper extremity weight-bearing.
Conclusions:
- Chronic repetitive stress on the wrist is associated with carpal instability in paraplegics.
- Carpal instability prevalence rises with longer durations of weight-bearing.
- Findings highlight the impact of long-term upper extremity use on wrist health.