Pinch Grip Test
Definition[edit | edit source]
A pinch grip is a form of precision grip whereby an object is pinched between the palmar surface of the fingers and the opposing thumb. The pinch grip is also then categorized into five groups. [1]
Purpose[edit | edit source]
The Pinch grip test is used to examine the neurological dysfunction of the anterior interosseous nerve branch of the median nerve [2].
Median Nerve Innervation[edit | edit source]
The median nerve originates from the lateral and medial cords of the brachial plexus (C5-T1). During the pinch movement, the median nerve supplies digits 2 and 3 extrinsic flexion to the thumb; the motor branch supplying flexor digitorum superficialis while the anterior interosseus branch innervates the flexor pollicis longus and flexor digitorum profundus muscles. The median nerve is the most involved in innervations of pinch and fine precision functions of the hand [3].
Technique[edit | edit source]
Step1. Ask the patient to pinch the tip of the index finger and tip of the thumb.
Step2. If the patient unable to pinch tip to tip with both fingers and instead as using an abnormal pad to pad pinch of the index and thumb.
Step3. This is a positive sign of pathology to the anterior interosseous nerve, which is a branch of the median nerve.[4]
Interpretation of Results[edit | edit source]
A Positive sign is seen when there is an inability to pinch tip to tip.
Clinical Aspects[edit | edit source]
Clinical Aspects:
If an individual is unable to pinch their index finger and thumb, a pathological indication of damage to the anterior interosseous nerve between the two heads of the pronator muscle is concluded. This is known as anterior interosseous nerve syndrome (AINS). AINS can be caused by compression of the nerve between the heads of the pronator teres muscle [3]. The anterior interosseous nerve can also become prone to entrapment in certain individuals with abnormalities such as an atypical head of the flexor pollicis longus muscle [5]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Loudon, JK, Swift, M & Bell, S 2008, The Clinical Orthopedic Assessment Guide, 2nd edition, Human Kinetics, United States.
- ↑ David J. Magee. Orthopedic Physical Assessment. 6th edition. Elsevier. 2014.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Precision- Pinch Grip. Available from: https://functionalanatomyofthehand.wordpress.com/2016/04/14/precision-pinch-grip-2/ (Accessed, 31 October 2020)
- ↑ David J. Magee. Orthopedic Physical Assessment. 6th edition. Elsevier. 2014.
- ↑ Anterior interosseous nerve syndrome. Available from: https://radiopaedia.org/articles/anterior-interosseous-nerve-syndrome-1 (Accessed, 31 October 2020)
- ↑ Pinch grip test. The Physio Channel. Available from: https://youtu.be/VNgD94geijA
- ↑ MassageNerd. Orthopedic Test - PINCH GRIP TEST. Available from: http://www.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXsL5LMMIdc [last accessed 31/10/2020]
