A Modular MRI-Compatible Pipette Simulator to Evaluate How Design Effects the Basilar Thumb Joint Mechanics

People who frequently use micropipettes experience hand and upper limb disorders. The basilar thumb joint, also known as the first carpometacarpal or trapeziometacarpal joint, is commonly affected by osteoarthritis (OA). Mechanical factors are associated with OA initiation and progression. We developed a MRI-compatible modular micropipette simulator to improve understanding of how micropipette design affects basilar thumb joint contact mechanics. The micropipette simulator also addresses limitations of current techniques for studying pipetting and basilar thumb joint mechanics. Its modularity will allow future studies to examine handle design parameters such as handle diameter, cross-sectional shape, and other features. A micropipette simulator with a cylindrical handle (length 127 mm, diameter 25 mm) was used with one subject to demonstrate the system's feasibility. Contact areas were within the range of prior data from basilar thumb joint models in power grasp and lateral pinch, and contact pressures were the same order of magnitude.