Biomechanics of the Hand

Understanding the hand's biomechanics is crucial for understanding hand pathology, mechanisms of injury, treatment methods and salvage procedures. While instruction in biomechanics often focuses on gait and the loads on the lower extremity, understanding the biomechanics of grasp and hand manipulation requires a focus on the unique anatomy of the hand. A combination of high dexterity and powerful grasp is enabled by the hand’s complex biomechanics, consisting of relatively unstable joints exposed to high demands. This text outlines the anatomy and basic biomechanical principles of the hand and then builds on this to demonstrate biomechanical principles of bone, ligament and tendon repair and healing. Attention is placed on reconstructive and salvage procedures, both bony and soft tissue, and their effect on neighboring structures and function. Understanding these principles allows surgeons in training and practice to tailor their treatment regimens more closely to the patient at hand. Moreover, future potential areas for growth and development, such as robotic surgery and 3-D printing, are being explored from the biomechanics standpoint. Biomechanics of the Hand may be used as a stand-alone text to understand mechanisms of injury, healing, repair and reconstruction. It also serves as an excellent complement to standard hand surgery texts by expanding the reader's understanding of the underlying pathomechanics leading to disorders of the hand and their treatment options.