Hand Assessment

Assessment of the injured hand is a highly specialised field. A good knowledge of the its anatomy as well as considerable experience in the management of the injured hand is a prerequisite. This enables a full understanding of the effects of the injury and identification of problems that are amenable to correction. Furthermore, an accurate estimate of prognosis is achieved.

The hand is a complex structure. Normal function depends on the presence of all structures, intact sensation and active movement without pain. The loss of any of these attributes causes disability.

Normal Injured

Intactness

Amputation

Movement

Stiffness

Power

Weakness

Sensation

Numbness

Comfort

Pain

Assessment after injury has to consider each of these factors. Examination needs to be detailed and involves the use of specific tests as well as specialist instruments. This allows quantification of the disability.

The following pages are intended to give merely an overview of the techniques and calculations employed to assess hand function.

Hand Surgery Home-Page Information sheets
Operative series index British Society for Surgery of the Hand