Biomechanics of the hand

Hand Clin. 2013 Nov;29(4):483-92. doi: 10.1016/j.hcl.2013.08.003. Epub 2013 Oct 15.

Abstract

By understanding the biomechanical motions that allow the hand to function effectively and how patients used the hand before their injury, the surgeon can best determine which surgical method is most suited to prevent permanent loss of function and significant impairment. The objective of this article is to discuss the biomechanics of the hand and, particularly, to assess the range of biomechanical motions that account for most of the hand functions and to determine the value of each function and which specific surgical procedures best restore the optimum function of the hand.

Keywords: Biomechanics; Hand; Hypothenar; Interosseous; Lumbrical; Thenar.

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Employment
  • Fingers / physiology
  • Hand / innervation
  • Hand / physiology*
  • Hand / surgery*
  • Hand Strength / physiology
  • Humans
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
  • Tendons / physiology
  • Thumb / physiology
  • Wrist / physiology