Goniometry: Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint Flexion and Extension
Original Editor - Joseph Ayotunde Aderonmu
Top Contributors - Joseph Ayotunde Aderonmu and Kim Jackson
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.