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Ever wonder what happens when you crack your knuckles?
For the first time, a team of researchers from University of Alberta have captured the knuckle-cracking action using an MRI machine.
According to the results of the experiment they conducted, the distinct popping sound produced by cracking of knuckles emanates from the gas-filled cavity within the synovial fluid.
“It’s a little bit like forming a vacuum…. As the joint surfaces suddenly separate, there is no more fluid available to fill the increasing joint volume, so a cavity is created and that event is what’s associated with the sound,” said Greg Kawchuck, the lead author of the study.
To capture the actual cracking of knuckles, the researchers used the fingers of a chiropractor, who is also a member of their team, as their subject.
Jerome Fryer’s fingers were slowly pulled by a cable one at a time while inside the MRI machine. Through the MRI video, the researchers were able see “what is happening inside the joints”.
Previously, it was believed that air bubbles formed between joints caused the popping sound.
Kawchuck also pointed out that the results of their experiment could possibly give rise to a new experiment that aims to determine the benefits and harm of knuckle-cracking. Moreover, he revealed that it could also provide clues on how to prevent joint problems.
