Kinematics of the ulna during pronation and supination in a cadaver study: implications for elbow arthroplasty

Objective. Aim of this study was to exactly describe and quantify kinematics of the ulna during pro- and supination. Design. Biomechanical study in fresh frozen cadavers. Background. A previous MRI study revealed a varus/valgus motion of the ulna averaging 7.1° during pro-/supination. Axial rotation, however, could not be quantified. Methods. Sixteen arms were examined in a new apparatus that fixed the humerus on a template and allowed forearm rotation. Motion of a Kirschner wire placed in the ulna was recorded in steps of 30° by two perpendicularly arranged charge coupled device cameras during pro- and supination. Results. From supination to pronation the ulna showed a semi-lunar evasive m…