THREE-KNUCKLE

TEST

​​• Testing for

The available active range of depression of the mandible or TMJ hypomobility.

​• Action

Instruct the client to open their jaw.

Ask them to insert as many of their own flexed proximal interphalangeal joints of the non-dominant hand between their teeth.

​• Positive finding

The client can only get one knuckle or knuckles between their teeth.

The Three Knuckle Test was developed through the contributions of Dr. George C. Caldwell, who focused on temporomandibular joint function, and Dr. James H. Cyriax, whose work in orthopaedic medicine has been instrumental.