Research interest
Our laboratory performs orthopaedic biomechanics and rehabilitation research of the hand and upper extremity. Currently, our research activities focus on carpal tunnel mechanics and hand sensorimotor function with a clinical focus on carpal tunnel syndrome. Our work related to carpal tunnel mechanics involves studying the material and mechanical properties of the transverse carpal ligament (i.e. the volar boundary of the carpal tunnel), investigating the structural properties of the carpal tunnel, and creating a computational model for the tunnel complex. Related to hand sensorimotor function, we have been examining the pathomechanics and pathophysiology associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Our laboratory is outfitted with cutting edge bioengineering technology including motion analysis, ultrasound imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electromyography (EMG), electroencephalogram (EEG), robotics, and computational modeling.
In other words ...
Our laboratory studies how thw hand, wrist, and arms move and how to help them heal. Our research activities focus on how muscles, nerves, and tendons and ligaments work in carpal tunnel syndrome. We study that human hand but also have made a computer model of the carpal tunnel complex. Related to hand nerve and movement studies, we have been examining what goes wrong (pathophysiology) with normal hands/wrists/arms to cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Our laboratory is outfitted with cutting-edge bioengineering technology including motion analysis, ultrasound imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electromyography (EMG), electroencephalogram (EEG), robotics, and computational modeling.
Highlighted Publications
Li ZM, Tang J, Chakan MC, Kaz R (2008) Complex, multi-dimensional thumb movements generated by individual extrinsic muscles. Journal of Orthopaedic Research 26 (9): 1289-1295
Li ZM, Tang J, Chakan M, Kaz R (2009) Carpal tunnel expansion by palmarly directed forces to the transverse carpal ligament. Journal of Biomechanical Engineering. 131: 081011-1-6
Xiu KH, Kim JH, Li ZM (2010). Biomechanics of the transverse carpal arch under carpal bone loading. Clinical Biomechanics 25: 776–780
Gehrmann SV, Tang J, Li ZM, Goitz RJ, Windolf J, Kaufmann RA (2010) Motion deficit of the thumb in CMC joint arthritis. Journal of Hand Surgery [AM] 35 (9): 1449-1453
