Tracking Wrist Motion with a Novel Wrist Joint Coordinate System

Principle Investigator

Scott Wolfe, MD

Scope

A motion analysis wrist joint coordinate system has been developed that can track the position of the hand and forearm.  Motion analysis markers on the hand and forearm are mathematically transformed to anatomical points.  The relative positions of these points determine the position of the hand and forearm and the angle they form (six degrees of freedom).   An accuracy study and a preliminary reliability study have been completed.  The medical student will investigate the reliability of the coordinate system further.  Moreover, the medical student will use this coordinate system to collect and analyze wrist position data of ten subjects performing an overhand functional task.  It is hypothesized that not only is the wrist joint coordinate system reliable, but also a consistent motion pattern across these subjects exists for the overhand functional task.  Also, the medical student may be involved in surgical work on cadavers depending on the nature of the reliability study.  This project will allow investigators to establish standards for dynamic wrist measurement.  It will also help establish a database of wrist kinematics for healthy volunteers that will provide a baseline for studies of wrist pathological and post-traumatic conditions.

Contact

wolfes@hss.edu