title: The functional range of motion of the finger joints.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to measure the functional range of motion of the finger joints needed to perform activities of daily living. Using the Sollerman hand grip function test, 20 activities were assessed in ten volunteers. The active and passive range of motion was measured with a computerized electric goniometer. The position of each finger joint was evaluated in the pre-grasp and grasp positions. The functional range of motion was defined as the range required to perform 90% of the activities, utilizing the pre-grasp and grasp measurements. The functional range of motion was 19°-71°, 23°-87°, and 10°-64° at the metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, and distal interphalangeal joints, respectively. This represents 48%, 59%, and 60% of the active motion of these joints, respectively. There was a significant difference in the functional range of motion between the joints of the fingers, with the ulnar digits having greater active and functional range. The functional range of motion is important for directing indications for surgery and rehabilitation, and assessing outcome of treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia Discipline of Anatomy and Pathology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Modbury Public Hospital, Adelaide, Australia Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia greg@gregbain.com.au.
authors.forename: G I
authors.initials: GI
authors.lastname: Bain
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Polites
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia.
authors.forename: B G
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Higgs
authors.affiliation: Unaffiliated.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Heptinstall
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand Surgery, Norrland's University Hospital, Umea, Sweden Department of Anatomy, Umea University, Umea, Sweden.
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: McGrath
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D053587:Arthrometry, Articular; D005260:Female; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D064368:Healthy Volunteers; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D008662:Metacarpophalangeal Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Activities of daily living; distal interphalangeal joint; interphalangeal joint; metacarpophalangeal joint; proximal range of motion