Mathematical description of the articular surfaces in the distal radio-ulnar joint

A good knowledge of the mechanical behaviour of the human joints is the basis for the development of prosthetic devices and artificial joints, reconstructive joint surgery and proper diagnosis and surgical treatment of joint diseases. This study is concerned with a mathematical description for the articular surfaces of the radius and ulna in the distal radio-ulnar joint in the human wrist. A reference axis has been defined for each articulating surface on the radius and ulna. The coordinates of 60 points have been measured on each surface and polynomial equations have been developed which fit the obtained data points. The polynomials have been graphically reconstructed to present the mapped surfaces. The surface modeling contributes to a mathematical model for the wrist joint which is in current development