Biomechanics of Upper Extremity during Falls

• Main Authors: Chuei-Fu Chiu, 邱垂鈇
• Other Authors: You-Li Chou
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2000
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/02725350316082679978

碩士 === 國立成功大學 === 醫學工程研究所 === 88 === Fall on the outstretched hand are among the most common results in trauma and functional disability of the upper extremity. Falls on the outstretched hand are a significant cause of upper extremity injury, including approximately 90% of fractures at the distal radius, humeral neck, and supracondylar region the elbow. In order to better prevent and manage these upper extremity injuries, there is a need to further understand the mechanism of joint disorder in the shoulder, the elbow, and the wrist joint.In this study, the fall of release system is direct forward, and subjects will be asked hand to impact on the ground with outstretched hand. To compare differences of impact force, joint force and EMG for three rotational positions of hands (external, internal and neutral). The overall objectives are to develop a biomechanical testing model for a simulated fall situation.In experiment results, before impact on the ground, most of the upper extremity muscles have been activated to resist reaction force. Our results show that the three axial joint forces are not different significantly in three different postures. The anterior-posterior and medial-lateral shear forces of all joints at normal position of hand are smaller than those at internal position of hand. Therefore, according our discussion, it is suggested that the internal rotational of hand may better choice during free-fall. The database established in this study will warrant a better understanding of the mechanism in the upper extremity trauma. This testing model will be helpful in designing protection device for prevention of these injuries. Furthermore, these data will be valuable reference in clinical treatment and rehabilitation.