No clinical outcome difference between varus phenotypes after medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy at 2 years follow-up.

PURPOSE: Clinical studies regarding medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) often analyse a large group of mechanical varus knees rather than differentiating for its primary varus-inducing component. This study aims to compare the radiological and clinical outcomes of the most prevalent varus malalignment phenotypes using the coronal plane alignment of the knee (CPAK) classification. METHODS: MOWHTO cases with minimal 2-year clinical follow-up were retrospectively selected from a knee osteotomy database (2016-2020). Based on the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) and lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA), subjects were allocated to the correct CPAK phenotype pre- and postoperatively. Clinical outcomes were the numeric rating scale (NRS), the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) and the therapeutic response rate (TRR) at 2-year follow-up. Inter-observer correlation coefficient (ICC) and unpaired student t test were performed for cross-phenotype comparison. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-five (135) subjects were found eligible (53.0 years old ±9.6 [19-77], 72% male, 53% left-sided). The most prevalent preoperative phenotype was CPAK 1 (n = 70 (52%)) and the postoperative phenotype was CPAK 6 (n = 66 (49%)). All CPAK phenotypes improved significantly relative to baseline but cross-phenotype comparison yielded no significant differences in clinical outcome. The TRR at 2 years was 67% for CPAK 1, 69% for CPAK 2 and 87% for CPAK 4. The TRR for CPAK 6 was 64% compared with 80% for CPAK 9, which was not significantly different. CONCLUSION: At 2-year follow-up, no clinically significant differences are observed between different CPAK phenotypes. Accurate MOWHTO corrections provide significant clinical improvement even in the femoral-driven varus knee and the constitutional varus knee dominated by intra-articular wear. The clinical indication for MOWHTO performance should not be reduced to the medial arthritic varus knee with underlying tibial varus alone. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective comparative study.

Outcomes of Platelet-Rich Plasma Infiltration and Weightbearing Cast Immobilization in Distal Tibialis Anterior Tendinopathy: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Distal tibialis anterior tendinopathy (DTAT) is a chronic condition that may lead to functional impairment and secondary forefoot deformities when left untreated. Current clinical practice is mainly guided by case reports and small retrospective case series; little consensus exists on which treatment protocol is most effective. This study aims to assess a conservative treatment for DTAT consisting of PRP infiltration and walking cast immobilization. METHODS: This prospective study included 18 feet in 18 patients, recruited between September 2020 and September 2022 at a single institution. Ultrasonography was performed; leukocyte-poor PRP was infiltrated around the tibialis anterior tendon insertion. Walking cast immobilization was used for 3 weeks after infiltration, followed by eccentric exercises of the DTAT, and gastrocnemius-soleus muscle complex stretching. Clinical findings, visual analog scale (VAS), Foot Function Index (FFI), and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot scores were recorded at inclusion, and 6 and 12 weeks after PRP infiltration. Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) limits were researched to assess clinical relevance of statistical outcomes. Means were determined for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). One-way repeated measures ANOVA was performed over time for FFI, AOFAS, and VAS scores. RESULTS: Mean age was 65 years with a mean BMI of 25. Tendon thickening and hypoechogenicity were the most commonly reported ultrasonographic findings. Significant improvement from baseline VAS (VASrest: 4.71 ± 2.7, VASactivity: 5.66 ± 2.5) to 12 weeks follow-up (VASrest: 2.14 ± 2.7, VASactivity: 3.34 ± 2.5) was found. Both AOFAS and FFITotal improved significantly from baseline (AOFAS: 66.9 ± 3.3, FFITotal: 32.9 ± 3.3) to 6-week follow-up (AOFAS6w: 79.4 ± 3.3, P = .019; FFITotal: 19.4 ± 3.3, P = .011). No statistically significant further improvement was found at 12 weeks compared to 6 weeks' follow-up. Two (11%) patients chose operative treatment because of persisting symptoms. CONCLUSION: We found that PRP infiltration with walking cast immobilization as a first-line treatment was associated with general early symptom improvement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Clinical and radiological outcomes of medial opening-wedge monoplanar and biplanar high tibial osteotomy using a triangular allograft impaction technique: A retrospective single centre study.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to research the clinical and radiological outcomes between monoplanar and biplanar medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy. We hypothesized that there would be no differences between both techniques when using a triangular allograft impaction technique. METHODS: A single-centre, observational, retrospective study was conducted on 103 opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy patients from January 2017 to September 2019. Data collection, NRS and KOOS-PS, was performed preoperatively, 3 months and 12 months postoperatively. Radiological assessment (Kellgren-Lawrence, mechanical femoral-tibial angle, posterior tibial slope angle, lateral patellar tilt, patellar height) was performed on standing radiographs. RESULTS: In total 32 patients were included in the biplanar group and 71 patients in the monoplanar group. NRS and KOOS-PS scores improved significantly (p < 0.001) in time for both groups from baseline to 3 m PO and further to 1 year postoperatively. Our results showed no differences in radiological outcomes such as patellar height, LPT and posterior tibial slope angle. The monoplanar group did have more Takeuchi I and III fractures and a higher mFTA angle without clinical repercussion. CONCLUSIONS: Using a triangular allograft impaction technique for monoplanar and biplanar medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy gives no differences in clinical (NRS and KOOS) and radiological outcomes. Although a difference in Takeuchi fractures was found for monoplanar patients, no additional fixation was necessary, nor did clinical complications occur. We can conclude that triangular allograft impaction technique creates a stable construct and standardizes the healing procedure postoperatively for both monoplanar and biplanar medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy.

Characterizing the viscoelastic properties of the anterolateral ligament and grafts commonly used in its reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Current anatomic anterolateral ligament reconstruction is typically performed using either a gracilis tendon or an iliotibial band graft based on their quasi-static behavior. However, there is limited knowledge about their viscoelastic behaviors. This study aimed to characterize the viscoelastic properties of the anterolateral ligament, distal iliotibial band, distal gracilis tendon and proximal gracilis tendon for graft material choice in anterolateral ligament reconstruction. METHODS: All the tissues were harvested from thirteen fresh-frozen cadaveric knees and subjected to preconditioning (3-6 MPa), sinusoidal cycle (1.2-12 MPa), dwell at constant load (12 MPa), and load to failure (3%/s). The quasi-static and viscoelastic properties of the soft tissues were computed and compared using a linear mixed model (p < 0.05). FINDINGS: The hysteresis of anterolateral ligament (mean:0.4 Nm) was comparable with gracilis halves (p > 0.85) but iliotibial band (6 Nm) was significantly higher (p < 0.001,ES = 6.5). In contrast, the dynamic creep of anterolateral ligament (0.5 mm) was similar to iliotibial band (0.7 mm, p > 0.82) whereas both gracilis halves were significantly lower (p < 0.007,ES > 1.4). The elastic modulus of anterolateral ligament (181.4 MPa, p < 0.001,ES > 2.1) was the lowest compared to the grafts materials (distal gracilis tendon:835 MPa, distal gracilis tendon:726 MPa, iliotibial band:910 MPa). Additionally, the failure load of the anterolateral ligament (124.5 N, p < 0.001,ES > 2.9) was also the lowest. INTERPRETATION: The mechanical properties of the gracilis halves and iliotibial band were significantly different from anterolateral ligament, except for hysteresis and dynamic creep, respectively. Our findings showed that the gracilis halves may be a more appropriate graft choice for anterolateral ligament reconstruction due to its low energy dissipation and permanent deformation under dynamic loads.

Impacted bone allograft personalised by a novel 3D printed customization kit produces high surgical accuracy in medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: Contemporary medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) still seems to struggle with inconsistent accuracy outcomes. Our objective was to assess surgical accuracy and short-term clinical outcomes when using 3D planning and a patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) kit to prepare customized bone allografts. METHODS: Thirty subjects (age 48y ± 13) were included in a double-center prospective case series. A low-dose CT-scan was performed to generate 3D bone models, a MOWHTO was simulated, and PSI was designed and 3D printed based on the complementary negative of the planned osteotomy gap. Clinical outcome was assessed at two, four, 12 weeks and one year using NRS, KOOS, UCLA activity score, EQ-5D and anchor questions. A linear-mixed model approach was implemented for data analysis. RESULTS: Preoperative 3D values were 175.0° ± 2.2 mechanical tibiofemoral angle (mTFA), 85.0° ± 3.0 medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), and 94.1° ± 3.4 medial posterior tibial slope (MPTS). Target planning ranged from slight varus to the lateral tibial spine (slight valgus). Postoperative 3D analysis showed an accuracy of 1.1° ± 0.7 ΔMPTA (p = 0.04) and 1.2° ± 1.2 ΔMPTS (p = 0.11). NRS decreased from baseline 6.1 ± 1.9 to 2.7 ± 1.9 at four weeks (p < 0.001) and 1.7 ± 1.9 at one year (p < 0.001). KOOS increased from 31.4 ± 17.6 to 50.6 ± 20.6 at 12 weeks (p < 0.001) and to 71.8 ± 15.6 at one year (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The study suggests that 3D printed instrumentation to personalize structural bone allograft is a viable alternative method in MOWHTO that has the benefit of optimizing surgical accuracy while providing early and consistent pain relief after surgery.

Functional recovery in the surgical treatment of tennis elbow: side-to-side vs. tendon-to-bone attachment using a knotless suture anchor: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Lateral epicondylitis of the elbow sometimes does not respond to conservative treatment and requires surgical intervention. Many different surgical techniques have been described. The aim of this randomized study was to compare functional outcomes of open side-to-side suturing of the tendon and tendon-to-bone fixation with a knotless suture anchor. METHODS: In total, 68 patients were included (4 were lost to follow-up) and were randomized into either the side-to-side tendon group or the suture anchor group. Demographic data consisted of age, sex, body mass index, affected arm, dominant arm, previous treatments, and symptom duration. Professional and sports activities were noted. Preoperative values of the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) score, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score, and Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRS) score were noted. Clinical features consisted of range of motion in flexion and extension, grip strength, and wrist flexion and extension strength. All measurements were noted at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: The MEPI and NRS scores did not differ between the 2 groups, but there was a significant improvement in the MEPI score at 6 weeks vs. preoperatively in both the suture group (from 70.6 to 87.4) and the anchor group (from 68 to 86.5). The NRS scores showed no difference at each time point in both groups. The QuickDASH and QuickDASH-Sport scores showed a faster improvement between 6 weeks and 3 months in the anchor group compared with the suture group. Grip and extension strength also showed a slightly faster improvement at 6 weeks postoperatively in the anchor group. No significant difference in the number of weeks required to return to work was found between the groups (10.4 weeks in both groups). CONCLUSION: Our results of side-to-side tendon repair compared with bone-tendon interface restoration by a suture anchor showed no significant differences in functional outcomes. Patients who received a suture anchor did have faster rehabilitation at 6 weeks postoperatively in terms of both functional outcome scores and grip and wrist extension strength measures.

Optimizing Rapid Recovery After Anterior Hip Arthroplasty Surgery: A Comparative Study of Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block and Local Infiltration Analgesia.

BACKGROUND: Multimodal pain therapy combining analgesics, local infiltration analgesia (LIA) and peripheral nerve blocks, such as fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB), can improve postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting (PONV) and ambulation in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). We hypothesized that addition of FICB would decrease opioid requirements and length of stay (LOS) but could create a motor block. METHODS: This is a single center, prospective, blinded randomized controlled study of 152 patients undergoing elective THA via direct anterior approach from October 2019 till August 2021. Three patient groups were defined: patients receiving only spinal anesthesia (control group, n = 53); spinal anesthesia with LIA perioperatively (n = 50); and spinal anesthesia with FICB on the recovery unit (n = 49). Outcome measures consisted of postoperative pain scores, PONV, length of hospital stay, opioid requirements and mobility. RESULTS: Overall pain scores were low for all patient groups, with a lower pain score for LIA in comparison to the control group until 4 hours postoperatively (P < .05). Length of hospital stay, postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting (PONV) scores and quadriceps muscle strength did not differ significantly between groups. The control group showed higher scores at 12 hours postoperatively in comparison to FICB regarding rehabilitation potential, use of walking aids and activities of daily living (P < .05), but all groups reached the same endpoint 48 hours postoperatively. The LIA and FICB groups required less opioids until 24 hours postoperatively. CONCLUSION: LIA is a beneficial adjuvant therapy to spinal anesthesia in THA patients as it may decrease pain scores and the need for opioid consumption. Adjuvant FICB only provided lower opioid requirements.

IC-Type Electric stimulation for delayed bone healing: monocentric evaluation over eight years of experience.

Electrostimulation is suggested to positively influence bone healing for delayed unions of both fractures and osteotomies. This monocentric series aims to retrospectively assess the outcome of electrostimulation treatment for delayed union after traumatic fractures or knee osteotomy. Patients treated with electrostimulation for delayed union (no bony union on radiographic imaging at 90 days after osteotomy or fracture treatment) over an 8-year period were screened. The delay of treatment, success rate, revision rate and demographic data (age, sex, location of fracture, presence of osteosynthesis materials) were investigated. A questionnaire assessed objective (nicotine abuse, NRS pain assessment, activity levels) and subjective (comfort, usability, cost-effectiveness) aspects. Electrostimulation delivered radiographic healing in 75% of the fracture group and 66% of the osteotomy group. No statistical significant difference (N=136) in success rate was found for age, sex, presence of osteosynthesis material, delay or fracture location. Success rate did differ significantly with pain, activity level and smoking (p<0.05). Reflective questions to patients were answered mostly positively. The use of electrostimulation for the delayed union of fractures and knee osteotomies delivers high healing rates avoiding the burden of surgical reintervention. It is generally well received by the patient. No difference in success rate was found between sex, age or fracture location, nor did the delay of therapy onset or presence of osteosynthesis material seem to affect the success rate. Smoking had a negative influence on the efficacy of bone electrostimulation.

Bone marrow oedema syndrome of the foot and ankle in a paediatric population: a retrospective case series with serial MRI evaluation.

PURPOSE: By means of a case series we wanted to describe and correlate the clinical and imaging features of bone marrow oedema syndrome (BMOS) of the foot and ankle in children. METHODS: A retrospective data study was performed on patients born on or after 01 January 2001 who underwent multiple MRI scans of the foot and ankle for pain symptoms. Six patients who presented with increased signal intensity on T2-weighted MR imaging without any underlying causes or concomitant pathology were included. RESULTS: All patients, three boys and three girls with a mean age of 11 years (8 to 14), displayed patchy areas of increased signal intensity on T2-weighted and turbo inversion recovery magnitude (TIRM) images. On average, six tarsal bones were involved (4 to 8). In all patients, treatment consisted of rest and/or protected weight-bearing. The mean time for symptoms to improve during treatment was 6 months (1 to 16). The mean duration of treatment was nine months (3 to 16). In all patients clinical and imaging symptoms were strongly correlated and regressed in time. CONCLUSION: BMOS as a pathological entity should be considered in paediatric patients with foot and ankle pain without a clear underlying cause, and characteristic T2-weighted and TIRM signal intensity increase on MRI images. As BMOS is transient and self-limiting, conservative treatment is advised while the oedema regresses. An early diagnosis of this pathology could prevent unnecessary diagnostic investigations and invasive treatments. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Changes in knee joint line orientation after high tibial osteotomy are the result of adaptation of the lower limb to the new alignment.

BACKGROUND: Changes in knee joint line orientation (KJLO) resulting in excessive joint line obliquity are a well-known consequence of high tibial osteotomy (HTO) procedures and could lead to degenerative changes. The precise effect of the correction on final KJLO changes is poorly understood. The goal of this study was to identify radiographical parameters that could help to explain the size of KJLO changes after HTO surgery. METHODS: A total 117 HTO patients were radiographically examined preoperatively and three months postoperatively. Radiographic parameters were KJLO, medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), hip-knee angle (HKA), mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA), lateral distal tibial angle (LDTA), knee joint line congruence angle (KJLCA), ankle joint line congruence angle (AJLCA) and ankle joint line orientation (AJLO). Four new radiographic parameters were introduced to describe knee and foot position on long-leg X-ray: malleolar distance to midline (MDTM), intermalleolar distance (IMD), condylar distance to midline (CDTM) and intercondylar distance (ICD). Correlations of these parameters and changes in KJLO were assessed. RESULTS: Strong correlations are found between KJLO changes and MDTM (r = 0.709), IMD (r = 0.691), CDTM (r = 0.711) and ICDM (r = 0.702), in contrast to weak correlations between changes in KJLO and MPTA (r = -0.342). These results suggest an important impact of foot and knee position changes on the final alteration of KJLO after HTO. CONCLUSIONS: The final change of KJLO after HTO is the effect of adaptation of the lower limb, which is driven by the (maximum) alterations of foot and knee position rather than the size of correction of the procedure.

Chronic Mycobacterium kansasii tenosynovitis in an immunocompromised host : case report.

Mycobacteriuim kansasii is a nontuberculous atypical mycobacterium which typically causes respiratory infections. Localized extrapulmonary diseases, such as tenosynovitis or arthritis are rarely seen in the immunocompetent population (1) . We present a case of an immunocompromised 55-year-old man with a chronic Mycobacteriuim kansasii tenosynovitis of the hand.

Postoperative results of distal tibialis anterior tendinosis.

INTRODUCTION: Although distal tibialis anterior tendinopathy is a common condition, it has rarely been described in literature. It is often a condition in overweight women around 50-70 years old with pain that worsens at night. The purpose of this retrospective study is to describe the specific clinical signs and postoperative results of distal tibialis anterior tendinopathy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 2013 and 2017 we operated 9 patients (10ft) who failed a conservative treatment of distal tibialis anterior tendinopathy. Surgery consisted of debridement of the diseased tendon and reinsertion with a bone anchor. There was a minimum follow-up of 12 months. All patients were clinically evaluated postoperative (range 14-57 months after surgery) with the use of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) RESULTS: The mean AOFAS score postoperative was 99 (range 94-100). The mean VAS score postoperative was 1 (range 0-3). In all 10 cases the patient was completely satisfied with the result following surgery. There was no recurrence or rupture of tendon after debridement. CONCLUSION: Distal tibialis anterior tendinopathy is mainly a clinical diagnosis where conservative treatment should always be the first choice. However, our results show that when conservative treatment fails, surgical treatment can lead to very good long term results with a high level of patient satisfaction.

Single finger movements in the aging hand: changes in finger independence, muscle activation patterns and tendon displacement in older adults.

With aging, hand mobility and manual dexterity decline, even under healthy circumstances. To assess how aging affects finger movement control, we compared elderly and young subjects with respect to (1) finger movement independence, (2) neural control of extrinsic finger muscles and (3) finger tendon displacements during single finger flexion. In twelve healthy older (age 68-84) and nine young (age 22-29) subjects, finger kinematics were measured to assess finger movement enslaving and the range of independent finger movement. Muscle activation was assessed using a multi-channel electrode grid placed over the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) and the extensor digitorum (ED). FDS tendon displacements of the index, middle and ring fingers were measured using ultrasound. In older subjects compared to the younger subjects, we found: (1) increased enslaving of the middle finger during index finger flexion (young: 25.6 ± 12.4%, elderly: 47.0 ± 25.1%; p = 0.018), (2) a lower range of independent movement of the index finger (youngmiddle = 74.0%, elderlymiddle: 45.9%; p < 0.001), (3) a more evenly distributed muscle activation pattern over the finger-specific FDS and ED muscle regions and (4) a lower slope at the beginning of the finger movement to tendon displacement relationship, presenting a distinct period with little to no tendon displacement. Our study indicates that primarily the movement independence of the index finger is affected by aging. This can partly be attributed to a muscle activation pattern that is more evenly distributed over the finger-specific FDS and ED muscle regions in the elderly.

Correction: Measuring 3D Hand and Finger Kinematics-A Comparison between Inertial Sensing and an Opto-Electronic Marker System.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164889.].

Tendon displacements during voluntary and involuntary finger movements.

In the human hand, independent movement control of individual fingers is limited. One potential cause for this is mechanical connections between the tendons and muscle bellies corresponding to the different fingers. The aim of this study was to determine the tendon displacement of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) of both the instructed and the neighboring, non-instructed fingers during single finger flexion movements. In nine healthy subjects (age 22-29 years), instructed and non-instructed FDS finger tendon displacement of the index, middle and ring finger was measured using 2D ultrasound analyzed with speckle tracking software in two conditions: active flexion of all finger joints with all fingers free to move and active flexion while the non-instructed fingers were restricted. Our results of the free movement protocol showed an average tendon displacement of 27 mm for index finger flexion, 21 mm for middle finger flexion and 17 mm for ring finger flexion. Displacements of the non-instructed finger tendons (≈12 mm) were higher than expected based of the amount of non-instructed finger movement. In the restricted protocol, we found that, despite minimal joint movements, substantial non-instructed finger tendon displacement (≈9 mm) was still observed, which was interpreted as a result of tendon strain. When this strain component was subtracted from the tendon displacement of the non-instructed fingers during the free movement condition, the relationship between finger movement and tendon displacement of the instructed and non-instructed finger became comparable. Thus, when studying non-instructed finger tendon displacement it is important to take tendon strain into consideration.

Activity patterns of extrinsic finger flexors and extensors during movements of instructed and non-instructed fingers.

The fingers of the human hand cannot be controlled fully independently. This phenomenon may have a neurological as well as a mechanical basis. Despite previous studies, the neuromechanics of finger movements are not fully understood. The aims of this study were (1) to assess the activation and coactivation patterns of finger specific flexor and extensor muscle regions during instructed single finger flexion and (2) to determine the relationship between enslaved finger movements and respective finger muscle activation. In 9 healthy subjects (age 22-29), muscle activation was assessed during single finger flexion using a 90 surface electromyography electrode grid placed over the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) and the extensor digitorum (ED). We found (1) no significant differences in muscle activation timing between fingers, (2) considerable muscle activity in flexor and extensor regions associated with the non-instructed fingers and (3) no correlation between the muscle activations and corresponding movement of non-instructed fingers. A clear disparity was found between the movement pattern of the non-instructed fingers and the activity pattern of the corresponding muscle regions. This suggests that mechanical factors, such as intertendinous and myofascial connections, may also affect finger movement independency and need to be taken into consideration when studying finger movement.

Variable and Asymmetric Range of Enslaving: Fingers Can Act Independently over Small Range of Flexion.

The variability in the numerous tasks in which we use our hands is very large. However, independent movement control of individual fingers is limited. To assess the extent of finger independency during full-range finger flexion including all finger joints, we studied enslaving (movement in non-instructed fingers) and range of independent finger movement through the whole finger flexion trajectory in single and multi-finger movement tasks. Thirteen young healthy subjects performed single- and multi-finger movement tasks under two conditions: active flexion through the full range of movement with all fingers free to move and active flexion while the non-instructed finger(s) were restrained. Finger kinematics were measured using inertial sensors (PowerGlove), to assess enslaving and range of independent finger movement. Although all fingers showed enslaving movement to some extent, highest enslaving was found in adjacent fingers. Enslaving effects in ring and little finger were increased with movement of additional, non-adjacent fingers. The middle finger was the only finger affected by restriction in movement of non-instructed fingers. Each finger showed a range of independent movement before the non-instructed fingers started to move, which was largest for the index finger. The start of enslaving was asymmetrical for adjacent fingers. Little finger enslaving movement was affected by multi-finger movement. We conclude that no finger can move independently through the full range of finger flexion, although some degree of full independence is present for smaller movements. This range of independent movement is asymmetric and variable between fingers and between subjects. The presented results provide insight into the role of finger independency for different types of tasks and populations.

Measuring 3D Hand and Finger Kinematics-A Comparison between Inertial Sensing and an Opto-Electronic Marker System.

Objective analysis of hand and finger kinematics is important to increase understanding of hand function and to quantify motor symptoms for clinical diagnosis. The aim of this paper is to compare a new 3D measurement system containing multiple miniature inertial sensors (PowerGlove) with an opto-electronic marker system during specific finger tasks in three healthy subjects. Various finger movements tasks were performed: flexion, fast flexion, tapping, hand open/closing, ab/adduction and circular pointing. 3D joint angles of the index finger joints and position of the thumb and index were compared between systems. Median root mean square differences of the main joint angles of interest ranged between 3.3 and 8.4deg. Largest differences were found in fast and circular pointing tasks, mainly in range of motion. Smallest differences for all 3D joint angles were observed in the flexion tasks. For fast finger tapping, the thumb/index amplitude showed a median difference of 15.8mm. Differences could be explained by skin movement artifacts caused by relative marker movements of the marker system, particularly during fast tasks; large movement accelerations and angular velocities which exceeded the range of the inertial sensors; and by differences in segment calibrations between systems. The PowerGlove is a system that can be of value to measure 3D hand and finger kinematics and positions in an ambulatory setting. The reported differences need to be taken into account when applying the system in studies understanding the hand function and quantifying hand motor symptoms in clinical practice.