Arthritis is one of the most common chronic health problems and the leading cause of disability. It greatly affects our aging population, as demonstrated by the fact that the estimated 25% of those over the age of 55 have some form of arthritis. In complex joints like the wrist and the ankle it is more difficult to detect all regions of arthritis between adjacent bones using plane radiographs. The purpose of this thesis is to provide preliminary validation data for Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI) based modeling technique for use in the wrist that will allow researchers to non-invasively evaluate in vivo joint contact mechanics. This technique could be a valuable tool in the prevention and/or detection of arthritis as well as different joint diseases (Kienbock's, Preiser's, etc). We believe that this interdisciplinary approach will become a valuable clinical and research tool. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
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