Development of a New Device for In-Vitro Simulation of Upper Extremity Fractures

Upper extremity fractures are common among all age groups, and distal radius fractures are the most prevalent type of fracture among individuals younger than 75 [1]. In 1999 the US Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated that approximately 117,000 emergency room visits were the result of a fall event at a playground [2]. The increased popularity of activities such as inline skating, snowboarding and skateboarding in the aging population has been correlated with increased numbers of upper extremity fractures, as these activities have a high fracture risk [3]. While personal protective equipment such as wrist guards and elbow pads may alter fracture risk, little is known about fall biomechanics and the effects of a fall arrest on the upper extremity.