Article

The objective of the study was to compare the precision of shoulder anatomical
landmark palpation using a CAST-like method and a newly developed anatomical
palpator device (called A-Palp) using the forefinger pulp directly. The
repeated-measures experimental design included four examiners that twice repeated
measurements on eleven scapula and humerus anatomical landmarks during two
sessions. Inter-session and inter-examiner precision was determined on
volunteers. A-Palp accuracy was obtained from in vitro measurements and using
virtual palpation on 3D bone models. Error propagation on the motion
representation was also analyzed for a continuous motion of abduction movement
performed in the shoulder joint. Palpation results showed that CAST and A-Palp
methods lead to similar precision with the Maximal A-Palp calibration error being
1.5mm. In vivo precision of the CAST and A-Palp methods varied between 4mm
(inter-session) and 8mm (inter-examiner). Mean propagation of the palpation error
on the motion graph representation was 2 degrees and 5 degrees for scapula and
humerus, respectively. A-Palp accuracy was 3.6 and 8.1mm for scapula and humerus,
respectively. The A-Palp seems promising and could probably become an additional
method next to today's marker-based motion analysis systems (i.e., Helen-Hayes
configuration, CAST method).

Langue : ANGLAIS