Transverse loaded pronosupination test.

Abstract

A new test to evaluate the ability of the distal radioulnar joint to sustain transverse loads while the forearm rotates from pronation to supination is described. Both arms were tested in 100 normal volunteers. The average weight-bearing capability of the normal unsupported forearm was 5.07 kg, equating to a force of 49.8 N. The test may be useful in the assessment of pathological conditions involving weakness of the forearm rotator muscles, with or without joint incongruity, as well as being an indirect way to assess the load-bearing capacity of radioulnar implants.