Method for measurement of circumduction of the thumb to evaluate results of opponensplasty.
A simple method for measuring circumduction of the thumb, by using a ratio of the range of motion to the length of the first metacarpal, is described. This method can be of value in assessing many aspects of thumb function, especially the improvement in function after opponensplasty. The improved ability to position the thumb in a useful location, both for pinch and grasp, appears to correlate well with the patient's use of the hand for previously impossible tasks.
D006801:Humans; D008663:Metacarpus / Q000502:physiology* / Q000601:surgery; D009068:Movement; D013933:Thumb / Q000502:physiology* / Q000601:surgery