A method for 3D analysis of upper extremity kinematics applied to a case study of brachial plexus birth palsy

Kinematic analysis of the upper extremity has been conducted using a wide variety of techniques, philosophies, and analytic methods. The authors propose a simple, surface marker model, using three-dimensional video recording, that borrows concepts from lower extremity kinematic analysis. A sequential order about orthogonal axes is described (Eulerian) to generate sagittal, coronal and transverse plane motion. The technique is applied to a child with brachial plexus birth palsy pre- and postoperatively.