A mechanical study of the moment-forces of the supinators and pronators of the forearm

Abstract

We determined the torque generated by the muscles rotating the forearm at varying degrees of pronation and supination. We used 8 human cadaveric upper extremity specimens with the humerus and ulna rigidly fixed with the elbow in 90° of flexion, while free rotation of the radius around the ulna was allowed. The tendons of the flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU), extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU), supinator, biceps, pronator teres (PT), and the pronator quadratus' (PQ) superficial and deep heads were isolated. After locking the forearm at intervals of 10° from 90° of pronation to 90° of supination, we loaded each muscle/tendon with a ramp profile. We found that the biceps and supinator are both active supinators, the biceps generating four times more torque with the forearm in a pronated position. As for pronation, the PT and both heads of the PQ are active throughout the whole rotation, being most efficient around the neutral position of the forearm. The ECU and FCU contribute significantly less to pronation and supination torque. However,they do generate potential pronating torque while the forearm is positioned maximally in supination and, to a lesser extent, potential supination torque while the forearm is positioned maximally in pronation.