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Validity of Pulp-to-Palm Distance as a Measure of Finger Flexion

From the Hand and Upper Limb Centre Clinical Research Laboratory, London, Ontario and the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada

Correspondence: Ms Joy MacDermid, Hand & Upper Limb Centre Clinical Research Laboratory Monsignor Roney Ambulatory Care Centre, 930 Richmond Street, London, Ontario, Canada NG6A 3J4; E-mail: jmacderm{at}uwo.ca

This study investigated the validity of pulp-to-palm distance measures as clinical indicators of finger flexion capacity. Pulp-to-palm distance and goniometry of the metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints were measured by a single tester in 50 patients with abnormal digital flexion using a computerized hand assessment system. The correlation between pulp-to-palm distance measurements and total finger flexion measures obtained by goniometry, was moderate (r = –0.46 and –0.51). This indicates that the measures are not interchangeable. The relationship between an upper extremity disability score (DASH) and restricted motion was stronger for the goniometric measurements (r = 0.45, P<0.01) than for the pulp-to-palm distance measurements (r<0.30, P>0.01). Both types of range of motion measurements were able to discriminate between minimal and substantial upper extremity disability. Further methodological evaluation is required to support the use of pulp-to-palm distance measures as an outcome indicator.

Journal of Hand Surgery (British and European Volume), Vol. 26, No. 5, 432-435 (2001)
DOI: 10.1054/jhsb.2001.0612


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