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The aim of this project is to develop a multi-scale model, capable of better understanding the mechanisms underlying rhizarthrosis and proposing concrete, personalized solutions.
Understanding and preventing rhizarthrosis
The project in brief
Using a multi-scale biomechanical modeling approach, researchers have been able to access crucial information that is both anatomically accurate and faithful to muscular effort. This information provides answers to previously unanswered questions, particularly concerning the triggering factors for rhizarthrosis:
- types of grip: pinch grip, or gripping between the index finger and thumb, places heavy demands on the joints, generating high contact forces.
- This technique is commonly used to perform high-precision tasks and is indispensable in many professions, such as dentistry or dressmaking, exposing these professionals to the problems associated with rhizarthrosis.
- Bone morphology: more curved structures in the trapezium and metacarpus result in increased joint pressures, thus increasing the risk of developing rhizarthrosis.
Using this multi-scale model, the researchers identified morphologies and pressures at risk. This new modelling method has many potential applications
TRL level
3
Future prospects
The experts have ideas for developments covering prediction, prevention and rehabilitation.
Several examples of applications can already be mentioned. These include a tool to predict the risk of developing rhizarthrosis, based on the patient's morphology and grip patterns. The aim is to provide precise information to enable practices to be adapted, thereby reducing long-term risks.
In cases where patients are unable to change their grip type, the experts also plan to develop in situ methods capable of analyzing the actual grip and supplementing it.
Another example: the model can already be used to simulate different types of surgery to test their effectiveness. Applied to each patient, this tool would also enable each surgical procedure to be adapted to the patient's specific morphological profile before proceeding with the operation... This individual diagnosis would be made possible thanks to a personalized model based on scanner imaging and intelligent motion capture.