Three-dimensional motion analysis of compensatory movements in patients with radioulnar synostosis performing activities of daily living.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to quantify the compensatory movements of the shoulder and elbow in patients with congenital radioulnar synostosis during 10 activities of daily living (ADL). Maximum and minimum joint angles and range of motion were measured by use of a motion capture system in seven patients and seven matched controls. The forearm was fixed in 0 degrees of rotation in four patients and in 20 degrees of pronation in three patients. The main compensatory movements were shoulder internal/external rotation during five ADL tasks, shoulder abduction/adduction and elbow flexion/extension during three tasks, and shoulder flexion/extension during two tasks. These compensatory movements were observed mainly when turning a key and drawing. Patients with congenital radioulnar synostosis in nearly neutral rotation could perform all ADL tasks with the aid of compensatory movements of the shoulder and elbow.