The purpose of this study was to investigate, in a sample of patients with hemiparesis secondary to cerebrovascular accident, the relationship between the ratio of stimulus on time to off time and muscle fatigue using a commercial electrical stimulation unit. An experimental model was used to test the hypothesis that the smaller the stimulus off time relative to stimulus on time, the greater wi...

Osteoarthritis of the wrist is one of the most common conditions encountered by the orthopaedic surgeon and requires careful analysis and specific indications and rationale for appropriate treatment. Radiographic analysis and surgical approaches for reconstruction of the wrist consist of technical caveats that will improve outcome, including limited wrist fusions, proximal row carpectomy, and t...

Among conventional manual wheelchair (CMW) users, 49% to 63% experience carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) that is likely induced by large forces transmitted through the wrist and extreme wrist orientations. The ergonomic hand drive mechanism (EHDM) tested in this study has been shown to utilize a more neutral wrist orientation. This study evaluates the use of an EHDM in terms of wrist orientations t...

We hypothesize that there is a correlation between wrist ligament length disorders and wrist mobility disorders. In order to test that, we intend to add ligament length information to the existing wrist bone model developed at Brown. We will model the length of distal and scapholunate ligaments for a set of 18 wrists (9 of them with mobility problems), evaluate these lengths as functions of spe...

BACKGROUND Grip strength after wrist arthrodesis is reported to be significantly less than normal. One of the reasons suggested for this decrease in grip strength is that the arthrodesis was performed in a suboptimal position. However, there is no consensus on the ideal position of wrist fusion. There is a paucity of studies evaluating the effect of various fixed positions of the wrist on grip ...

The etiopathology, clinical features, and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in long-term hemodialyzed patients, are discussed in the light of new clinical findings. Conclusions summarizing the specific characteristics of CTS in hemodialyzed patients include the following. 1) There is a relatively equal sex ratio of patients. 2) The pathogenesis is complex and includes a) the presence of...

The human wrist joint is unique from functional and anatomic standpoints. Numerous articulations exist within the wrist that allow for many options for partial wrist fusion and arthroplasty. In cases of pancarpal disease, fusion or arthroplasty of the entire wrist joint can be performed. Because of the high functional demand of the wrist, many of these surgical options can fail, leading to deva...

BACKGROUND Work-related carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a complex and costly condition. There is some evidence that the employment outcome may be worse in cases of CTS where the condition is being considered for compensation. AIM To examine whether workers' compensation status is an important determinant of outcome of CTS. METHODS Cases, with a Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) claim, and r...

Clinicians assess wrist and hand function to identify pathology, monitor effectiveness of treatment, and determine the readiness to return to work and other activities. The goniometer, the conventional evaluation tool used to assess range of motion (ROM), is most suited to the measurement of passive and active joint ROM under conditions that entail static, nonfunctional movements. Instruments t...

BACKGROUND To date, no clinical decision rules for acute wrist injuries are available. In the past, clinical decision rules for the knee, ankle and spine injuries have been developed and validated. Implementation of these rules resulted in standardised clinical assessment at the emergency department and a substantial reduction of radiographic diagnostics. The objective of the study was to ident...