An assessment of 2 objective measurements of web space position.

PURPOSE: To describe 2 simple objective clinical methods of measuring the web position between fingers and to determine their intra-observer and inter-observer reliabilities.

METHODS

Two observers examined the second, third, and fourth web spaces on both hands of 30 adult healthy volunteers. The web index measured the web height as a relative ratio to constant anatomical landmarks on both fingers subtending the web. The dorsal web index took reference from the distance between the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints, whereas the palmar web index was measured in relation to the distance between the most proximal basal digital and proximal interphalangeal joint creases. The intraclass correlation coefficient was used to determine intra-observer and inter-observer reliability.

RESULTS

Intraclass correlation coefficient values for intra-observer and inter-observer reliability were greater than 0.80, indicating excellent agreement. There was no statistically significant difference between the dorsal or palmar measurement methods in terms of reliability.

CONCLUSIONS

The dorsal or palmar measurement method may be reliably used in healthy adults to establish a web index that describes the web position. The palmar method is considered easier to perform.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic III.