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A quantitative, biomechanical analysis of radioulnar deviation between fresh frozen and soft embalmed human forearms
Author(s) -
Casier Craig Bradley,
Easteal Ron,
Sellens Rick,
Dickinson Andrew,
Clark Jessica
Publication year - 2013
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.27.1_supplement.742.5
Subject(s) - cadaveric spasm , embalming , soft tissue , fixation (population genetics) , cadaver , biomechanics , medicine , anatomy , biomedical engineering , surgery , population , environmental health
Fresh frozen human cadaveric specimens are considered the gold standard for biomechanical research; however, the testing period of these specimens is limited because they decay rapidly, can be difficult to obtain and can carry infectious diseases. Therefore, various chemical fixation methods to deal with these issues have been developed. Traditional formalin fixation has been shown to significantly affect the biomechanical properties of the tissues; however, a relatively new method called soft embalming could provide an alternative to fresh frozen specimens in the field of biomechanical research. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the effects soft embalming has on gross anatomical movements. The parameters for testing were radioulnar deviation range of motion with in plane and out of plane angulation measured using an incremented tendon loading protocol. Five fresh frozen human cadaveric forearms were obtained and injected with tantalum tracer beads and tested pre and post embalming using 3D X‐rays. The results showed that the soft embalmed specimens retained their flexibility and was slightly greater than the fresh frozen state. Although, at lighter loading trials, the range of motion in soft embalmed specimens was larger than the fresh frozen state. The results here may provide an argument for the inclusion of soft embalmed specimens in biomechanical testing.