Goniometry: Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint Flexion and Extension

Original Editor - Joseph Ayotunde Aderonmu

Top Contributors - Joseph Ayotunde Aderonmu and Kim Jackson  

Anatomical Movement[edit | edit source]

Hand and wrist bones II.JPG

Thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint flexion and extension

Testing Positions[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.[1]

Ending Position[edit | edit source]

The thumb MCP joint is flexed to the limit of motion.[1]

Stabilization[edit | edit source]

The clinician stabilizes the metacarpal.[1]

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.[1]

Ending Position[edit | edit source]

The thumb MCP joint is extended to the limit of motion.[1]

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.[1]

Goniometer Placement[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

Thumb MCP Joint Flexion[edit | edit source]

0-55°[2]

Thumb MCP Joint Extension[edit | edit source]

0-10°(Hyperflexion)[2]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 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. 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.