Goniometry: Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint Flexion and Extension
Original Editor - Joseph Ayotunde Aderonmu
Top Contributors - Joseph Ayotunde Aderonmu and Kim Jackson
Contents
Anatomical Movement
Thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint flexion and extension
Testing Positions
Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint Flexion
Starting Position
Patient is seated with arm rested on a table and elbow flexed. The forearm is positioned in the mid-position and the wrist is slightly positioned in extension. The MCP joint being measured is at 0° of extension.[1]
Ending Position
The thumb MCP joint is flexed to the limit of motion.[1]
Stabilization
The clinician stabilizes the metacarpal.[1]
Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint Extension
Starting Position
Patient is seated with arm rested on a table and elbow flexed. The forearm is positioned in the mid-position and the wrist is slightly positioned in extension. The MCP joint being measured is at 0° of flexion.[1]
Ending Position
The thumb MCP joint is extended to the limit of motion.[1]
Stabilization
The clinician stabilizes the metacarpal.
- Clinical Tip: The interphalangeal (IP )joint is allowed to flex/extend during flexion and extension measurements respectively.[1]
Goniometer Placement
| AXIS LOCATION[1] | STATIONARY ARM[1] | MOVEMENT ARM[1] |
|---|---|---|
| Over the dorsal aspect of the MCP joint | Parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft of the metacarpal | Parallel to the longitudinal axis of the proximal phalanx |
Expected Findings
Thumb MCP Joint Flexion
0-55°[2]
Thumb MCP Joint Extension
0-10°(Hyperflexion)[2]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 Measurement of Joint Motion: A Guide to Goniometry, 4e | F.A. Davis PT Collection | McGraw-Hill Medical [Internet]. [cited 2020 Nov 13]. Available from: https://fadavispt.mhmedical.com/book.aspx?bookid=1964#144788365
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Ngeo JG, Tamei T, Shibata T. Continuous and simultaneous estimation of finger kinematics using inputs from an EMG-to-muscle activation model. Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitation. 2014 Dec;11(1):1-4.
