Clinical biomechanics
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Clinical biomechanics · Jul 2010
Quantitative evidence of kinematics and functional differences in different graded trigger fingers.
Clinical diagnosis and classification of trigger fingers is traditionally based on physical examinations and certain obvious symptoms. However, it might lack quantitative evidence to describe the different graded trigger digits. This study provides quantitative evidence of kinematics and functional differences among different graded trigger fingers based on Froimson's classification. ⋯ The results serve as evidence-based knowledge for clinics. The more practical and immediate application of this study would be to facilitate the assessment, design and execution of rehabilitation for patients with trigger fingers.
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Clinical biomechanics · Jul 2010
Biomechanical modeling of the lateral decubitus posture during corrective scoliosis surgery.
Patient prone positioning in scoliosis surgeries modifies the spinal curves prior to instrumentation. However, the biomechanical effects of the lateral decubitus posture, used in anterior approaches and minimally invasive techniques, have not yet been investigated. The objectives were to develop and validate a finite element model simulating the spinal changes resulting from this positioning. ⋯ Lateral decubitus positioning significantly reduces the spinal deformities prior to instrumentation, as demonstrated by the finite element model. This study is a first step in the development of a modeling tool for the optimal adjustments of intra-operative positioning, which remains to be further investigated with complementary clinical studies.
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Clinical biomechanics · Jul 2010
The middle layer of lumbar fascia can transmit tensile forces capable of fracturing the lumbar transverse processes: an experimental study.
Transversus abdominis and its aponeurotic attachment to the lumbar transverse processes via the middle layer of lumbar fascia are of proposed clinical and biomechanical importance. Moderate traction on these structures (simulating submaximal contraction of transversus abdominis) is reported to influence segmental motion, but their tensile capacity is unknown and the effects of sudden, maximal traction on these attachments and the transverse processes are uncertain. ⋯ The middle layer of lumbar fascia can transmit substantial tensile forces to lumbar vertebrae, capable of transverse process fracture under experimental conditions. Tensile capacity is likely to be even greater in-vivo. This suggests transversus abdominis and the middle layer of lumbar fascia can strongly influence vertebral motion, should be incorporated in biomechanical models of the spine and considered as potential contributors to transverse process fractures by avulsion.