Which tests to choose when assessing hand function

In an attempt to simplify the choice of the many tests available for the assessment of hand function nine commonly used tests assessing different modalities of hand function have been evaluated on a small group of patients. The tests are judged by how well they fulfil the criteria of being simple and quick to use, easy to replicate, relevant to the needs of the patient, objective and inexpensive to acquire. The five tests which most fulfilled these criteria have been used to form a concise and practical hand assessment pro forma.