Surface Palpation - Elbow, Wrist, and Hand - Joints and Joint Motions
Interphalangeal Joint of the Thumb
Standing, sitting, or lying supine
 
Anterior to the hand.
 
May I touch your hand? ( or point to the demonstrated area ). Please bend and straighten your thumb (or demonstrate).
The interphalangeal joint of the thumb is formed by the articulation of the proximal phalanx with the distal phalanx of the thumb. With the patient relaxed, palpate the convex proximal phalanx as it articulates with the concave distal phalanx. Palpate the joint during thumb flexion and extension motions, at which time probably both the metacarpophalangeal and the interphalangeal joints will move together. If guided, most people can flex just the interphalangeal joint.
VH ñ close up of the anterior hand skeleton, no muscles