movement

Last reviewed 01/2018

The following features should be assessed during movement of the hand:

  • ask the patient to make a fist, spread his fingers out and then test each individual joint

  • the normal ranges for finger flexion are:
    • metacarpo-phalangeal joints >90 degrees
    • PIP joints >100 degrees
    • DIP joints >80 degrees

  • normal movement for the thumb inter-phalangeal joint is:
    • flexion: >80 degrees
    • extension: >20 degrees

  • normal movement for the thumb metacarpo-phalangeal joint is:
    • flexion: >55 degrees
    • extension: >5 degrees

  • normal movement for abduction at therpo-phalangeal joints is 20 degrees

  • also test opposition, pinch grip, key grip, palmar grasp of ball and sphygmomanometer grip strength