A method for measuring in vivo finger kinematics using electromagnetic tracking

Abstract

Accurate in vivo measurement of finger joint kinematics is important for evaluation of treatment methods, implant designs, and for the development and validation of computer models of the hand. The main objective of this project was to develop a standardized finger kinematic measurement system employing electromagnetic (EM) tracking to measure in vivo finger motion pathways. A landmark digitization protocol was developed and used in vivo, in a biomechanical study using EM trackers secured to the finger segments. In vivo results for finger flexion/extension showed no significant differences between EM and goniometer results, 5°±3°; p = 0.735.

Keywords:

• Finger kinematics
• electromagnetic tracking
• in vivo
• landmark coordinate system

Acknowledgements

Thanks to the members of the Western Biomechanics Laboratory for help during the in vivo protocol.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was partly funded by OGS, Western BJI and CMHR, and WGRS.