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Anatomical Variation in the Maximum Bending Moment of Metacarpals 2 through 5
Author(s) -
Adar Tony,
Baral Sumit,
Hayes Westley,
Saha Subrata,
Pagano Anthony,
Marquez Samuel
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.867.14
Subject(s) - cadaveric spasm , orthodontics , medicine , soft tissue , metacarpal bones , bending moment , bending , anatomy , surgery , materials science , composite material , structural engineering , engineering
Metacarpals (MC) two through five function as transmitters of force in activities involving the hand, making them susceptible to various types of fractures. An important clinical relevance is that the prevalence of metacarpal fractures has been estimated to be about 39% of all fractures of the hand. This study explores the relationship between maximum bending moment (MBM) and mid‐shaft diameter of embalmed cadaveric MC two through five in order to evaluate structural strength and fracture risk. Twelve donor bodies were examined followed by disarticulation and removal of all soft tissue of MC 2–5. All specimens were radiographed to assess for preexisting fractures and to rule out osteopenic changes. The samples were mechanically tested in three point bending using a Instron 8874 (Norwood, MA) Servohydraulic Test System. MBM was calculated for each MC and they ranged from 6.81 N·m to 3.60 N·m of MC2 to MC5 respectively. Our preliminary findings revealed a high positive correlation between mid‐shaft diameter and MBM (r2 = 0.96; p<0.05) suggesting that bending stresses resulting in MC fractures may be predicted with evaluation of mid‐shaft diameter, which may be of clinical importance. Grant Funding Source : SUNY Downstae College of Medicine