Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Design Of A Robotic Apparatus For Simulated Motion Of The Human Hand, Kenneth J. Smith, Sean R. Coss, Deana M. Mercer, Christina Salas, David I. Grow

UNM Orthopaedic Research Journal

Background: The hand is complex, in that any small disturbance to the flexor tendons, extensor tendons, and intrinsic muscles can result in dysfunction of the entire structure. We designed a robotic device to consistently load a native thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint in assessing the effects of ligamentous damage on stability of the thumb CMC joint.

Methods: The device consisted of a mechanical plate in which to fixate a cadaveric hand, a tendon-suture routing system, a bracket to couple multiple suture lines to a cable to maintain equal force among sutures and tendons, and the finger-thumb force measurement devices. To apply …

Simultaneous Dislocation Of Both Interphalangeal Joints In The Same Digit Of A 56-Year-Old Woman With Workers’ Compensation: A Case Report, Danika Z. Boomer, Kristin M. Loker, Deana M. Mercer

UNM Orthopaedic Research Journal

Dislocation of the interphalangeal (IP) joints of the fingers, particularly on the ulnar side of the hand, is common; however, simultaneous dislocation of both IP joints of the same finger is uncommon, and no studies have reported this injury in patients with workers’ compensation claims. We describe a 56-year-old woman with simultaneous dislocation of distal and proximal IP joints, who was successfully treated using a dorsal blocking splint followed by several months of undergoing occupational therapy. She had sustained the injury from a fall on the ground at work and was promptly treated with open reduction at an outside facility. …