This test should be performed with the
patient sitting to the side of a table where they are able to
relax their arm on the table. The finger to
be examined should be flexed to 90 degrees over the end of the
table.
Examiner Position
The examiner should position themselves in front
of the patient where they can easily assess and palpate during
the range of motion. The examiner should also hold the patients finger in the 90 degrees of
flexion over the end of the table with one hand and palate
the middle interphalangeal joint with the other hand.
Performing the Test
The examiner is going to hold the patients finger
in 90 degrees of flexion at the proximal interphalangeal joint
over the end of the table while palpating the middle interphalangeal
joint while the patient extends the proximal interphalangeal
joint.
Tissues
Being Tested
Extensor hood in the finer being tested
Positive Test
A positive test for a torn central extensor hood
is the examiner feeling little pressure from the middle phalanx
while the distal interphalangeal joint is extending.
Interpretation
A positive test means that there is a rupture to
the extensor hood.
Common errors in
performing exam
A common error that could be made in this exam is
not holding the patient in the right position against the table
as they try to extend their finger. Another common error could
be if the examiner is not palpating in the correct area as the
patient is extending their finger
Factors possibly
resulting in misinterpretation
If the patient has ever had a fracture or
dislocation of the area being examined then there may be
different abnormal feelings in that area due to the previous
injuries.
Related tests
The Boye’s test may also be used to test the same
area. This is when the examiner holds the finger to be examined
in slight extension at the proximal interphalangeal joint and
the patient is asked to flex the distal interphalangeal joint.
If the patient is unable or it is very difficult to flex the
distal interphalangeal joint then it would be a positive test.
This test could be used secondarily to the other test because it
is a less controlled motion and there are more room for errors.
