Projects
Thumb carpometacarpal joint arthritis
Internal Funding
Collagenolysis of the transverse carpal ligament
Sponsored by NIH R21AR075402
Biomechanical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome
Sponsored by NIH R01AR068278
Exploration of carpal tunnel mechanics for CTS treatment
Sponsored by NIH R21AR062753
This is an exploratory project to test the hypothesis that that strategically applied compression on the wrist can increase carpal tunnel cross-sectional area and decrease carpal tunnel pressure, thus relieving the median nerve from mechanical insult. We tested this hypothesis by systematically investigating the biomechanical relationships among transverse compressive force, carpal tunnel pressure, carpal arch width, and carpal tunnel cross-sectional area using cadaveric specimens and human subjects. The implementation of this project will yield novel knowledge on carpal tunnel mechanics and pathomechanics, leading to an evidence-based, novel biomechanical treatment strategy for CTS.
Hand sensorimotor function
Sponsored by NIH R01AR056964
ARFI and B-mode ultrasound imaging for transverse carpal ligament pathomechanics
Sponsored by NIH R21AR064957
Biomechanical properties of the transverse carpal ligament
Sponsored by NIH R03AR054510
Thumb kinematics and its implication to carpal tunnel syndrome
Sponsored by Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF)
The purpose of this project is to apply rigorous and innovative engineering methods to the study of hand functions. We have developed methodology to examine three-dimensional thumb kinematics. A motion analysis system will be used to obtain the angular motion of seven degrees of freedom of the carpometacarpal, metacarpophalangeal, and interphalangeal joints. In addition to the examination of the aberrant thumb kinematics associated with CTS, we also design a cadaveric study to elucidate the biomechanical role of each thumb muscles for the purpose of understanding the underlying mechanisms of the observed aberrations in CTS subjects.
Biomechanical evaluation of hand motor function
Sponsored by Aircast Foundation
Assessment of motor function is an important aspect of the physical examination of the hand. However, existing tests of hand motor function are non-specific, semiquantitative, or subjective. These tests often lack the sensitivity needed to detect subtle but meaningful changes in deterioration of function. More quantitative, sensitive and discriminative methods are needed to detect changes in motor function resulting from pathological conditions, disease progression, rehabilitation, or treatment. The objective of this study is to improve biomechanical evaluation of hand motor function to help provide new strategies for effective diagnosis of CTS and follow-up after treatment.
Finger coordination
Sponsored by Whitaker Foundation