Simulating Fall-Induced Wrist Fractures Using a Cadaveric Human Forearm Specimen

Begin with a human cadaver forearm specimen to model fall-induced wrist fractures.

Remove soft tissue from the upper forearm to expose the radius and ulna.

Cut the forearm bones at a fixed location.

Position the forearm in pronation so the radius crosses over the ulna, matching wrist orientation during a fall.

Pour self-curing resin around the exposed bones and let it cure to immobilize the specimen.

Secure the specimen in a compression testing machine.

Position the palm flat against the loading plate and apply a controlled force to ensure full contact.

Next, apply a higher downward force while recording actuator displacement and the resulting force from contact with the specimen.

On the force–displacement curve, the initial linear region represents wrist stiffness in the elastic region, followed by the yield point where plastic deformation begins, and ultimately the peak force that represents the maximum load-bearing capacity.

After fracture, the curve drops sharply, indicating a loss of resistance to loading.

Calculate the area under the force–displacement curve to quantify the work associated with each of these force–displacement values.

To begin, collect fresh frozen forearm specimens tha