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Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery 6/2021

01-06-2021 | Handsurgery

Viscoelastic properties of the human A2 finger pulley

Authors: C. K. Spies, J. Heuvens, M. F. Langer, P. Eysel, L. P. Müller, D. Grevenstein, J. Oppermann

Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery | Issue 6/2021

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Abstract

Introduction

Biomechanical evaluation of the viscoelastic properties tissue deformation, stiffness, and maximum breaking load of the human A2 pulley. We hypothesized that the A2 pulleys of index, middle, and ring fingers exhibit no difference regarding the aforementioned biomechanical parameters.

Methods

Forty-one A2 pulleys of 14 upper extremities (8 body donors) were assessed. Cyclic and load-to-failure testing were performed. The biomechanical parameters tissue deformation during cyclic and load-to-failure testing, stiffness, and maximum breaking load were determined.

Results

No significant differences between the fingers could be detected regarding the biomechanical parameters. A significant negative correlation could be detected between stiffness and deformation of the pulley. Significant positive correlations could be identified between stiffness and maximum breaking load and between maximum breaking load and deformation of the pulleys.

Conclusions

Assessment of the viscoelastic properties of the A2 finger pulley promotes precise diagnosis of pulley lesions and will help to optimize treatment.
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Metadata
Title
Viscoelastic properties of the human A2 finger pulley
Authors
C. K. Spies
J. Heuvens
M. F. Langer
P. Eysel
L. P. Müller
D. Grevenstein
J. Oppermann
Publication date
01-06-2021
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery / Issue 6/2021
Print ISSN: 0936-8051
Electronic ISSN: 1434-3916
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-021-03781-8

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