TAP OR PERCUSSION TEST

​TEST POSITIONING

The client may sit or stand with the affected finger extended.

The therapist stands in front of the client.

ACTION

The therapist applies a firm tap to the end of the linger being tested.

As an alternative method to tapping the therapist may use a percussion hammer.

​

POSITIVE FINDING

Pain at the site of injury indicates a fracture.

The vibration of tapping along the long axis of the bone will exaggerate pain at the fracture site.

CONSIDERATIONS & COMMENTS

This test should not be performed if there is an obvious deformity.