Biomechanics and Motion Analysis

Dynamic Stabilizing Effect of the Flexor Carpi Radialis on the Carpal Scaphoid

Principal Investigator: Jinrok Oh, M.D.
Project Coordinator: Kristin Zhao — zhao.kristin@mayo.edu

Figure 9: Mechanism of scapholunate stability.

Scapholunate instability is the most common cause of wrist instability. Its clinical progression eventually leads to a predictive pattern of wrist arthritis. The flexor carpi radialis (FCR) is a tendon that crosses the volar surface of the scaphoid and most likely provides a significant volar support to the scaphoid (Figure 9). This tendon is used frequently for tendon transfers and as a source of tendon graft in soft tissue arthroplasties of the thumb. This study was designed to determine the importance of the FCR on wrist biomechanics and determine its role as a palmar stabilizer of wrist motion.