Goniometry: Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint Flexion and Extension
Original Editor - User Name
Top Contributors - Joseph Ayotunde Aderonmu and Kim Jackson
Anatomical Movement[edit | edit source]
Thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint flexion and extension
Testing Position[edit | edit source]
Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint Flexion[edit | edit source]
Starting Position[edit | edit source]
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.
Ending Position[edit | edit source]
The thumb MCP joint is flexed to the limit of motion.
Stabilization[edit | edit source]
The clinician stabilizes the metacarpal.
Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint Extension[edit | edit source]
Starting Position[edit | edit source]
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.
Ending Position[edit | edit source]
The thumb MCP joint is extended to the limit of motion.
Stabilization[edit | edit source]
The clinician stabilizes the metacarpal.
- Clinical Tip: The interphalangeal (IP )joint is allowed to flex/extend during flexion and extension measurements respectively.
Goniometer Placement[edit | edit source]
AXIS LOCATION | STATIONARY ARM | MOVEMENT ARM |
---|---|---|
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[edit | edit source]
Thumb MCP Joint Flexion[edit | edit source]
0-55°[1]
Thumb MCP Joint Extension[edit | edit source]
0-10°(Hyperflexion)[1]