Kinematic investigation of normal MCP joint

This investigation is an analytical and experimental study to quantitatively determine the kinematic behavior of the human metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. An in vivo study of the range of motion, and an in vitro study of the center of rotation, moment arm and tendon excursions are described. Various experimental techniques were employed. A specially designed finger experimenting apparatus was used in this investigation. Assuming the MCP joint to be an unknown joint mechanism which connects two rigid bodies, finger and metacarpal, the analysis of two rigid link kinematics is developed. In the study of kinematic behavior of the MCP joint, two motions are considered clinically significant: radial-ulnar deviation and flexion-extension motion.