Strain development in carpal scaphoid for various wrist positions: a cadaveric study using strain gauges

In order to investigate the ideal position in which the wrist should be imm obilized during scaphoid fracture, treatment the strains which are develope d in the carpal scaphoid for various wrist positions has been recorded in c adaveric wrists, using strain gauges. The data obtained shows that during r adial deviation with neutral or slight palmar flexion of the wrist the wais t of the scaphoid tends to compress because of the development of strong co mpressive strains, while the strain development parallel to the fracture si te that tends to shift the scaphoid waist is minimum. This position seems t o be the best for stable scaphoid fracture immobilization. (C) 2000 Elsevie r Science Ltd. All rights reserved.