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Chapter 5 - Examination of the Hand

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 April 2022

By
Michael Gale  and
Joe Garcia
Edited by
Fazal Ali  and
Nick Harris
Fazal Ali
Affiliation:
Chesterfield Royal Hospital
Nick Harris
Affiliation:
Spire Hospital, Leeds
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Summary

The hand examination does not follow the pattern of the other joints such as look, feel, move. This is because there are varied pathologies in the hand and each is examined differently. The process described is to first perform a screening test that will allow the examiner to identify the pathology present and then to subsequently tailor the rest of the clinical examination. For example, if a lump is found, it will be examined differently to Dupuytren’s disease being found or to a tendon injury.

In addition, examination findings of various pathologies seen in the hand are described such as rheumatoid disease, first carpometacarpal joint arthritis and flexor tendon injuries.

Keywords

screeningfunctional assessmenttendontenodesiscontractures
Type
Chapter
Information
Orthopaedic Examination Techniques
A Practical Guide
 , pp. 63 - 88
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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References

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