Hand Exam

See Telemedicine
Perform observation (see below) and compare opposite side
Patient points to point of maximal tenderness (e.g. snuffbox)
Patient performs finger range of motion
Test specific Hand Neurovascular Exam (see below)
Patient performs hand strength examination
1. Make a fist and then fully extend fingers
2. Patient specifically tests DIP and PIP extension and flexion against their own resistance

General appearance (comparing with opposite side)
1. Erythema
2. Deformity
3. Swelling or joint effusion
4. Ecchymosis (recent Trauma)
5. Overlying skin changes
6. Nail changes
7. Atrophy
8. Scars suggesting old Trauma
Hand Position of Function
1. Inability to assume position of function is a red flag
2. Position of Function Image

Fixed single finger extension: Flexor Tendon Injury
1. Image
2. Description: Observe with hand at rest
  1. Affected finger in complete extension
  2. Other fingers PIP and DIP at 10 degrees flexion
3. Injuries
  1. DIP Flexor Tendon Avulsion
  2. Flexor Tendon Laceration
Fixed single finger flexion: Extensor Tendon Injury
1. Image
2. Injuries
  1. Extensor Tendon Laceration
  2. DIP Extensor Tendon Avulsion

Vascular compromise signs
1. Capillary Refill >2 seconds
2. Also check radial pulse and ulnar pulse
3. Consider Allen Test for ulnar artery distribution
Digital nerve injury
1. Two Point Discrimination requires >5 mm apart
2. Skin Color change
  1. Anhidrosis of finger involved
  2. Blanched or hyperemic Skin Color

Observe for fixed digital flexion or extension
1. See above
Extend DIP joint of affected finger
1. Fails: DIP Extensor Tendon Avulsion (Mallet Finger)
Start with all fingers in extension
1. Flex PIP joint of affected finger only
  1. Injury
    1. Flexor digitorum profundus injury (Jersey Finger)
  2. Testing
    1. Test with all fingers in extension
    2. Hold affected finger DIP in extension
    3. Patient instructed to flex affected PIP joint
2. Flex DIP joint of affected finger only
  1. Consider flexor digitorum superficialis injury
  2. Specific test for index finger
    1. Patient pulls a paper between both hands
      1. Paper held by each hand pinching paper
      2. Each hand uses opposed thumb and index finger
    2. Injury of flexor digitorum superficialis signs
      1. DIP hyperflexes
      2. PIP hyperextends

Ulnar Nerve
1. Finger abduction against resistance (hand intrinsic muscles)
2. Sensation to ulnar 1.5 fingers on palmar aspect (e.g. tip of pinky finger or hypothenar eminence)
Median Nerve
1. Sensation to radial 3.5 fingers and dorsal tips (e.g. tip of index finger or thenar eminence)
2. Oppose thumb to index finger against resistance
  2. Median Nerve is "british" (the tea drinking nerve)
    1. Controls pincher grasp (with thumb and index), elbow flexors and pronators, wrist flexors
    2. Mallon (2018) CCME Emergency Board Exam
Radial Nerve
1. Wrist extension (dorsiflexion) against resistance (as well as extension at the elbow and fingers)
2. Sensation to dorsal first 3.5 fingers (e.g. dorsal first web space)