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Reliability of thumb web measurements.
Prashant M Murugkar1, J Wim Brandsma, A M Anderson
1Physiotherapy Department, Green Pastures Hospital & Rehabilitation Centre, Pokhara, Nepal. murugkar@hotmail.com
Summary
The intermetacarpal distance (IMD) method offers a reliable way to measure thumb web space compared to conventional techniques. This new IMD approach demonstrates superior interrater reliability for assessing thumb anatomy.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Anatomy
- Medical Measurement
Background:
- Accurate measurement of the thumb web space is crucial for diagnosing and managing hand conditions.
- Existing measurement methods may lack sufficient interrater reliability, impacting clinical consistency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate two novel methods for measuring thumb web space: intermetacarpal distance (IMD) and derived intermetacarpal angle (DIMA).
- To compare the interrater reliability of these new methods against a conventional measurement technique.
Main Methods:
- Investigated interrater reliability using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland and Altman analysis.
- Measured thumb web space in 40 subjects (22 normal, 18 impaired hands) using IMD, DIMA, and a conventional method.
Main Results:
- The IMD method achieved a high ICC of 0.88, with 95% limits of agreement of approximately +/-6.2 mm.
- The DIMA method showed moderate reliability (ICC=0.47, +/-8.5 degrees).
- The conventional method exhibited lower reliability (ICC=0.26, +/-13.3 degrees).
Conclusions:
- The intermetacarpal distance (IMD) method demonstrates superior interrater reliability for thumb web space measurement.
- IMD is recommended as a reliable and potentially improved clinical tool for assessing thumb anatomy.