Dynamic impact response of human cadaveric forearms using a wrist brace

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Wrist injuries are common in dynamic impact events.
• Understanding the protective mechanisms of wrist guards is crucial for injury prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the dynamic impact response of braced versus unbraced cadaveric wrists.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of a commercially available wrist guard under impact loading.

Main Methods:

• Twelve cadaveric forearm-and-wrist specimens were used.
• A modified guillotine-type drop fixture impacted wrists placed on a force platform.
• Piece-wise linear regression analysis identified four loading phases and three transition points.

Main Results:

• Braced wrists exhibited significantly higher vertical force and impulse at transition points and failure (P < 0.01).
• Differences were most pronounced during the initial two loading phases.
• No significant difference in time to transition points or failure was observed between braced and unbraced wrists (P > 0.27).

Conclusions:

• Dynamic impact testing indicates wrist guards may offer a prophylactic effect in low-energy situations.
• Findings contrast with results from quasistatic loading conditions.
• Wrist guards alter the dynamic response to impact, potentially mitigating injury risk.