Hand Function

Question 1

Background history

Answer 1

1. General background info
2. Date of injury
3. Onset of symptoms
4. Date of surgery
5. Hand dominance
6. Work description
7. Age
8. Recreation and ADL, iADL

Question 2

Steps of hand function assessment

Answer 2

1. Observation
2. Palpate
3. Formal evaluation
4. Study x-rays

Question 3

1. Observation

Answer 3

• general shape and size of hand
• appearance of phalanges
• appearance of joints
• position of upper limb
• position of hand at rest
• appearance of muscles
• appearance of skin
• lag or contracture

Question 4

2.Palpation

Answer 4

• temperature differences (compare both hands)
• each finger (thickness, tenderness, edema, temperature)
• passively move each finger
• active flexion and extension
• vascular function

Question 5

For a hand to be functional, what’s needed?

Answer 5

1. Reach
2. Grip
3. Carry
4. Release

Question 6

Precision grip

Answer 6

1. Lumbrical grip
2. Pincer grip: two-point
3. Pincer grip: three-point
4. Adductor/key grip

Question 7

Power grip

Answer 7

1. Cylinder grip(power grip/skilled grip)
2. Total/ ball grip
3. Palmar grip
4. Hook grip

Question 8

In hand manipulation

Answer 8

1. In hand to fingers
2. In fingers to hand
3. Rotation of round objects in fingers
4. Rotation of flat objects in fingers

Question 9

Bilateral function

Answer 9

1. Opening bottles
2. Fill glass and drink
3. Take match out of box and light it
4. Toothpaste on Toothbrush and brush
5. Dressing and undressing
6. Fastening devices
7. Telephone use
8. Administrative activities