The scaphotrapezio-trapezoidal joint. Part 2: A kinematic study

Kinematics of the scaphotrapezio-trapezoidal joint during wrist flexion/extension motion (FEM) and radial/ulnar deviation (RUD) was investigated using a 3-dimensional dynamic motion analysis system. The scaphoid/trapezoid motion was found to be a rotational motion obliquely oriented relative to the sagittal plane of the wrist and described in an ulnoflexion/radial extension motion plane in both FEM and RUD of the wrist. The axis of rotation of the scaphoid/trapezoid motion during both FEM and RUD wrist motions was essentially the same and runs through the radiopalmar aspect of the distal scaphoid and the waist of the capitate. Motion analysis also revealed that the trapezium-trapezoid and trapezoid-capitate joints are essentially immobile. Hence, the scaphotrapezio-trapezoidal motion is considered to be a single degree of freedom that is essentially the same in both FEM and RUD of the wrist.