Quantifying in vivo scaphoid, lunate, and capitate kinematics using four-dimensional computed tomography

Abstract

Objective We aimed to establish a quantitative description of motion patterns and establish test-retest reliability of the four-dimensional CT when quantifying in vivo kinematics of the scaphoid, lunate, and capitate. Materials and methods We assessed in vivo kinematics of both wrists of 20 healthy volunteers (11 men and 9 women) between the ages of 20 and 40 years. All volunteers performed active flexion-extension and radial-ulnar deviation with both wrists. To test for reliability, one motion cycle was rescanned for both wrists approximately 15 min after the first scan. The coefficient of multiple correlation was used to analyze reliability. When two motion patterns are similar, the coefficient of multiple correlation tends towards 1, whereas in dissimilar motion patterns, it tends towards 0. The root mean square deviation was used to analyze the total motion patterns variability between the two scans. Results Overall, mean or median coefficient of multiple correlations were higher than 0.86. The root mean square deviations were low and ranged from 1.17° to 4.29°. Conclusion This innovative non-invasive imaging technique can reliably describe in vivo carpal kinematics of uninjured wrists in healthy individuals. It provides us with a better understanding and reference values of carpal kinematics of the scaphoid, lunate, and capitate.

Dynamic tracking of scaphoid, lunate, and capitate carpal bones using four-dimensional MRI

“…The preliminary dynamic profiles derived within this exploratory study are encouraging, Profiles derived from this study agree with the recent similar studies using dynamic 4D-CT imaging of healthy subjects. In particular, the present findings agree with those of Brinkhorst et al, [ 18 ], Foumani et al, [ 33 ] and of Crisco et al, [ 30 ]. In addition, the present results suggested that scaphoid and lunate rotate linearly with the wrist rotation during the flexion-extension motion, which agrees with results derived from recent cadaveric studies [ 34 ].…”

“…To describe the rotational parameters of the scaphoid, lunate, and capitate bones, an anatomically-based coordinate system was referenced to the distal radius using anatomic features of the radial surface ( Fig 4 ). This radius coordinate system (RCS) is a modification of the International Society of Biomechanics (ISB) recommendation [ 27 ] and has been used in several recent dynamic studies of wrist carpal bones [ 18 , 28 – 30 ].…”

“…Though dynamic imaging has been performed using multiple imaging modalities such as x-ray fluoroscopy [ 3 ] and 4D CT [ 12 – 18 ], the present study explores dynamic joint profiling using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The use of MRI for this purpose has two main advantages; First, MRI is a non-ionizing imaging modality, which simplifies patient risk/reward analyses.…”

Computed Tomography

“…The normal motion of the pisotriquetral joint during wrist flexion/extension, with measurements of the anteroposterior interval and craniocaudal excursion, has also been described, with good interobserver agreement of the first measurement 31 . Recent quantification of scaphoid, lunate, and capitate motions in healthy individuals by using 4DCT have also been reported, with high test-retest reliability correlations 36 . Similar studies have also been conducted on varying wrist motions such as during radioulnar deviation, pronosupination 37 …”

“…31 Recent quantification of scaphoid, lunate, and capitate motions in healthy individuals by using 4DCT have also been reported, with high test-retest reliability correlations. 36 Similar studies have also been conducted on varying wrist motions such as during radioulnar deviation, pronosupination. 37…”