Long Finger Flexion Test
Purpose[edit]
This test is designed to test for nerve compromise of the flexor digitorium profundus, and flexor digitorium superficialis tendons in the hand.[1]
Procedure[edit]
The patient is asked to either sit or stand with fingers in extension. Preferable position is sitting, therefore the hand can be stabilized by a table or other hard surface.[1] The examiner stands or sits in front of patient, holding all of the patients fingers except the one being tested. [1] The examiner will stablize the metocarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints of the finger being tested while isolating the distal interphalangeal joint. The examiner will then tell the patient to flex their finger at the distal interphalangeal joint. The examiner will next isolate the proximal interphalangeal joint and tell the patient to flex their finger at this joint.[1] The examiner needs perform active tests with patient along with passive tests of these joints. Doing so will rule out non-related soft tissue tightness or a joint restriction.[1]
Mechanism[edit]
Long finger flexion test is providing a resistive motion for flexion of the distal interphalangeal joint so that the only muscle being used is the flexor digitorium profundus. This indicates if there is a weakness in that muscle or a nerve root problem. The same goes for the proximal interphalangeal joint a resistive motion is being provided to test the flexor digitorium superficialis to check for weakness or a nerve root problem.
Results[edit]
A positive test is found if the patient is unable to flex their finger at the proximal interphalangeal joint. This means that there has been a nerve impingement or compromise of the flexor digitorium profundus and the flexor digitorium superficialis.[1] The patient may be unable to flex the distal interphalangeal joint but flex the proximal interphalangeal joint. If this occurs, the flexor digitorium tendon or nerve may be compromised.[1]
History[edit]
No history is available.
References[edit]
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