LONG FINGER
FLEXION TEST
• Test positioning
The client may sit or stand.
The therapist stands in front of the client and holds the client's fingers in extension, except for the finger being tested.
The therapist isolates the distal interphalangeal joint by stabilizing the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints of the finger being tested.
• Action
The client is instructed to flex the finger being tested at the distal interphalangeal joint.
The therapist isolates the proximal interphalangeal joint by stabilizing the metacarpophalangeal joint.
The client is then instructed to flex the proximal interphalangeal joint.
• Positive finding
If the client is unable to flex the proximal interphalangeal joint both the flexor digitorum profundus and the flexor digitorum supercialis muscles' tendon and/or nerve are compromised.
If the client is able to flex the proximal interphalangeal joint but is unable to flex the distal interphalangeal joint, then only the flexor digitorum muscles tendon and/or nerve are compromised.
• Special considerations & comments
The therapist should always perform passive flexion to both the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints to be sure that an inability to flex these joints is not related to soft tissue tightness or joint restrictions.