Standing, sitting or lying supine
Anterior or lateral to the patient.
May I touch your hand? ( or point to the demonstrated area ).
Please bend your elbow and position your hand, so that your thumb points up (if standing or sitting).
Raise your thumb straight up and keep your other fingers bent (or demonstrate, which is easier).
(If needed, hold in this position while I try to move your thumb.)
Guide the patient to position the radioulnar joint in neutral pronation and supination. Guide the patient to extend and flex all joints of the thumb while keeping the other fingers flexed. Observe that as the thumb extends, two long tendons are observed on the lateral thumb. Palpate the more posterior tendon, the extensor pollicis longus, while extending the thumb. With unclear muscle activity, provide added resistance by having the patient ìholdî while you gradually produce a push on the distal phalanx of the thumb in the direction of thumb flexion.
This muscle and tendon can be tested functionally by having the patient place the palm down on a flat surface while the thumb is lifted up from the flat surface. This muscle is the only one that can perform this motion.
This muscle and tendon can be tested functionally by having the patient place the palm down on a flat surface while the thumb is lifted up from the flat surface. This muscle is the only one that can perform this motion.
VH -