Wrist & Hand
Bone & Joint
Evidence: suggestive
Murphy's Sign (Lunate) Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Diagnosing Lunate Dislocation.
How to Perform
- Action: Patient makes a fist.
- Observation: Examiner looks at the level of the 3rd metacarpal (middle knuckle).
Interpretation of Results
- Normal: The 3rd knuckle projects higher than the 2nd and 4th.
- Positive: The 3rd knuckle is level with the others (it has "dropped").
References
- Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment.