THE INFLUENCE OF JOINT LAXITY ON PERISCAPHOID CARPAL KINEMATICS

Our earlier studies have revealed a direct association between global wrist laxity and scaphoid motion, The present study was undertaken to determine what association, if any, there is between laxity and lunate and/or distal carpal row (represented by the hamate) kinematics, Leng th measurements were obtained from standardized ulnar and radial devia tion radiographs of 60 normal volunteers. From these measurements, the relative motion of the lunate and hamate was assessed by derivation o f specific flexion and deviation indices, Linear regression analysis w as applied to these data and no correlations between global wrist laxi ty and lunate or hamate motion were observed, We conclude that variabi lity in global wrist laxity is explained only by alterations in scapho id motion, manifested as variability in periscaphoid ligamentous motio n.