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 turn your palm up. Bring your little finger upward (or demonstrate, which is easier). (If needed, hold in this position while I try to move your little finger.)
This muscle may be referred to as the flexor digiti quinti or flexor digiti minimi.
Guide the patient to bend the elbow and supinate. With the muscle relaxed, palpate the anterolateral aspect of the little finger and guide the patient to flex the metacarpophalangeal joint of the little finger. To palpate the tendon, move your finger to the proximomedial aspect of the proximal phalanx of the little finger and perform the same motion. The tendon of this muscle joins the tendon of the abductor digiti minimi. With unclear muscle activity, provide added resistance by having the patient ìholdî while you gradually produce a push on the proximal phalanx of the little finger in the direction of extension.
Guide the patient to bend the elbow and supinate. With the muscle relaxed, palpate the anterolateral aspect of the little finger and guide the patient to flex the metacarpophalangeal joint of the little finger. To palpate the tendon, move your finger to the proximomedial aspect of the proximal phalanx of the little finger and perform the same motion. The tendon of this muscle joins the tendon of the abductor digiti minimi. With unclear muscle activity, provide added resistance by having the patient ìholdî while you gradually produce a push on the proximal phalanx of the little finger in the direction of extension.
VH -