Influence of forearm rotation on the kinetic stabilizing efficiency of the muscles that control the scapholunate joint. Clinical application in proprioceptive and neuromuscular rehabilitation programs

Abstract

Background

This study focuses on the relationship between forearm muscles, carpal ligaments, and their impact on scapholunate joint stability across varying forearm rotations. This is crucial for optimizing pre and postoperative rehabilitation strategies for scapholunate joint dysfunction.

Purpose

Our study aims to understand the kinetic influence of forearm muscles on scapholunate joint instability. We emphasize the significance of forearm rotation to enhance treatment efficacy.

Study Design

We conducted an experimental study to understand how forearm muscles contribute to the stability of the scapholunate joint during different degrees of forearm rotation and we focused on the joint effect of muscle groups rather than individual muscles for treatment protocols.

Results

Our findings shed light on the conservative treatment of dynamic scapholunate instability and the postoperative rehabilitation of scapholunate ligament repair. We found that the effect of forearm muscles significantly contributes to preserve stability in the scapholunate joint across various forearm rotational positions. These insights have practical implications for hand therapists, offering innovative strategies to enhance clinical practice.

Conclusions

This research underscores the importance of considering forearm rotation when developing rehabilitation protocols for scapholunate joint instability and provides a valuable perspective in line with current rehabilitation principles.