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Biomechanics of the Joints in the Upper Limb

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Biomechanics of Normal and Pathological Human Articulating Joints

Part of the book series: NATO ASI Series ((NSSE,volume 93))

Abstract

The upper limb, with its mobile shoulder, its extensible and folding member, the arm and forearm, and its terminal working tool the hand, is versatile and has a large range of movement allowing the manipulation of objects. Loss of function in any one of the upper limb joints translates into reduced function of the hand, which could hamper such daily activities as eating, dressing, and personal hygiene. Furthermore, in patients who’s lower limb joints are affected by disease, or who suffer from a neuromuscular disorder, the upper limb also assumes a weight bearing function. A significant portion of the body weight can be carried by the upper limbs in assisting to rise from the seated position, turning in bed or in using a walking aid. These two conflicting requirements of mobility and stability as well as its overall versatility makes the assessment of the function, and loading of joint replacements for the upper limb significantly more complicated than those for the lower limb. Although a significant amount of research has been carried out on upper limb biomechanics, particularly in the kinematics and myoelectric activities of its muscles, our knowledge of upper limb joints is by no means complete. This chapter gives a review of the state-of-the-art knowledge in this field.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, USA

    N. Berme & G. Heydinger

  2. Department of Engineering Mechanics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA

    A. E. Engin

Authors
  1. N. Berme
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  2. G. Heydinger
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  3. A. E. Engin
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA

    Necip Berme

  2. Dept. of Engineering Mechanics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA

    Ali E. Engin

  3. Gulbenkian Institute of Science, Oeiras, Portugal

    Kelo M. Correia da Silva

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© 1985 Martinus Nijhoff Publishers, Dordrecht

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Berme, N., Heydinger, G., Engin, A.E. (1985). Biomechanics of the Joints in the Upper Limb. In: Berme, N., Engin, A.E., Correia da Silva, K.M. (eds) Biomechanics of Normal and Pathological Human Articulating Joints. NATO ASI Series, vol 93. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-5117-4_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-5117-4_7

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-010-8762-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-009-5117-4

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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