The effect of intercarpal joint motion on wrist motion: are there key joints? An in vitro study.

Abstract

The contribution of each intercarpal joint individually and as a member of a regional group to total wrist motion was analyzed in 10 fresh, frozen cadaver specimens. Each intercarpal joint had an effect on the total wrist motion, but the contribution of each to the different planes of motion was not equal. The scaphoid-capitate joint had a governing effect on the motion of a region comprised of scaphoid-trapezium, scaphoid-trapezoid, and scaphoid-capitate. The lunate-capitate joint had a governing effect on the motion of a region comprised of the lunate-triquetrum, lunate-capitate, triquetrum-hamate, and hamate-capitate complex. Elimination of motion in either of the key governing joints affected total wrist motion the same as elimination of motion in all the joints in that region. Intercarpal fusion for treatment of ligament injury of the proximal intercarpal row may be limited to the scaphoid-capitate or lunate-capitate joint. There is no need to attempt fusion in all joints of either of the two regions.