An Examination of Carpal Joint Function using Kinematic Analysis and Predictive Modeling Rainbow, Michael John creator 2012 xxvi, 163 p. born digital Thesis (Ph.D. -- Brown University (2012) Crisco, Joseph Director Buczek, Frank Reader Fleming, Braden Reader Laidlaw, David Reader Roberts, Thomas Reader Brown University. Biomedical Engineering sponsor theses As a versatile joint, the wrist remains stable through large motions under a variety of loading conditions. Wrist motion is achieved through the individual articulations of eight small carpal bones situated distal to the radius and ulna and proximal to the metacarpals. With minimal direct muscular attachments, the carpus is a passive joint. From an engineering perspective, it can be modeled as a mechanical linkage composed of multiple rigid bodies and a system of elastic elements. The carpal bones transmit force through tensile strain in the ligaments and through compressive strain in the articular cartilage. These forces facilitate the positioning of the metacarpals with respect to the forearm; the direct measurement of these cartilage and ligament forces would fully elucidate the function of the joint. However, the carpus is part of a living biological system and assembling a mechanical model is associated with a unique set of challenges. The aim of this dissertation is to extend our understanding of carpal joint function with special emphasis on the carpal ligaments. The following Chapter provides background information on the carpus, focusing on functional anatomy, a brief history and discussion of related research, and specifc aims designed to address unanswered questions about the function of the carpal joint. Computed Tomgraphy Simulation Carpus Kinematics In Vivo Simulation methodsLigaments RPB 20121023 engEnglish10.7301/Z047484BIn CopyrightCollection is open for research.dissertations