Functional Tests
“Rule #1: When you get a bizarre finding, first question the test.” † Weinstein, S. 50 Years of somatosensory research. J Hand Ther . 1993;6(1):113. CRITICAL POINTS ▪ Standardized functional…
Clinical Examination of the Hand
CRITICAL POINTS ▪ Observation, visual inspection, and palpation provide information regarding the patient’s general health status and present condition. ▪ Therapists and surgeons need to obtain a thorough patient history…
Anatomic Considerations for Splinting the Thumb
In 1833, Sir Charles Bell wrote: “On the length, strength, free lateral motion, and perfect mobility of the thumb, depends the power of the human hand.” With such a significant…
Wound Classification and Management
CRITICAL POINTS ▪ Wound healing occurs in three stages and is characterized by changes in cellularity as different cell types migrate into and out of the wound bed. ▪ Recent…
Manual Edema Mobilization: Treatment for Edema in the Subacute Hand
* I would like to express my gratitude to the following people who contributed their time and material for this chapter: Janine Hareau, PhD, PT, OT, from Clinica de Rehabilitacion…
Impairment Evaluation
CRITICAL POINTS ▪ The definition of what constitutes impairment is an evolving process, with the most recent attempt ( AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment , 6th edition,…
Clinical Interpretation of Nerve Conduction Studies and Electromyography of the Upper Extremity
CRITICAL POINTS ▪ Nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG) provide objective, localizing, prognostically important data about clinically suspected lesions. ▪ NCS and EMG also provide peripheral nerve system context…
Outcome Measurement in Upper Extremity Practice
CRITICAL POINTS ▪ Outcome measures need to be both reliable and valid. ▪ Therapists should perform outcome evaluation using procedures that incorporate currently accepted standardized methods both in the clinical…
Anatomy and Kinesiology of the Elbow
CRITICAL POINTS ▪ A functional and stable elbow allows for the complex motions of flexion and extension and pronation–supination necessary for daily life. ▪ The functional range of motion of…
Clinical Examination of the Elbow
CRITICAL POINTS Valgus Instability ▪ Valgus instability is due to attenuation or rupture of the anterior bundle of the medial collateral ligament. ▪ Symptomatic medial collateral ligament injury is almost…
