Wrist & Hand
General
Evidence: confirmed
Hand Range of Motion Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Measuring finger joint mobility.
How to Perform
- MCP Flexion: 90-100°.
- PIP Flexion: 100-110°.
- DIP Flexion: 70-80°.
- Thumb Opposition: Ability to touch base of small finger.
Clinical Tips & Notes
| Joint | Flexion |
|---|---|
| MCP | 90° |
| PIP | 100° |
| DIP | 80° |
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Hand Range of Motion should be considered as one component of a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. No single special test has perfect diagnostic accuracy; thus, clinical decision-making should integrate test results with patient-reported symptoms, mechanism of injury, functional impairment, and relevant imaging.
Clinicians should be aware of potential false-positive results in patients with pain sensitisation, muscle guarding, or poor relaxation. For the Wrist & Hand region, combining the Hand Range of Motion with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
