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Clinical evaluation of flexor tendon function in the small finger
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107.
Annals of Emergency Medicine
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Standard hand examination often misidentifies small finger flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) function. A modified testing method accurately assesses FDS function, preventing unnecessary hand surgeon referrals.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Hand Surgery
- Anatomy
Background:
- Patients with hand injuries often require evaluation of flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) function.
- The FDS to the small finger exhibits variable anatomy, complicating clinical assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the accuracy of standard versus modified testing for evaluating small finger FDS function.
- To determine the prevalence of absent FDS function in the small finger using different examination techniques.
Main Methods:
- Prospective examination of 100 subjects (200 hands).
- Assessment of small finger FDS function using both standard and modified clinical testing protocols.
Main Results:
- Standard testing revealed absent FDS function in 70 small fingers (35%).
- Modified testing identified absent FDS function in only 8 fingers (4%).
- Small finger FDS function was frequently unilateral.
Conclusions:
- Modified testing is the definitive method for accurately assessing small finger FDS function.
- Implementing this modified examination can reduce unnecessary referrals to hand surgeons.