Predictive value of metacarpophalangeal stabilization tests for simulated ulnar nerve lesion measured by a sensor glove.

STUDY

DESIGN

A within-subject research design was used in this study. The difference of the range of motion (ROM) with and without ulnar nerve block was analyzed.

INTRODUCTION

For the clinical evaluation of the functional effects of ulnar nerve palsy at the hand the relevance of clinical tests is in discussion.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to evaluate the predictive value of 2 clinical tests for a simulated ulnar nerve lesion by motion analysis with a sensor glove.

METHODS

In 28 healthy subjects, dynamic measurements of the finger joints were performed by a sensor glove with and without ulnar nerve block at the wrist. In the 0° metacarpophalangeal (MCP) stabilization test, the subjects were asked to stabilize the MCP joints actively in 0° while moving the interphalangeal joints, whereas at the 90° MCP stabilization test, the subjects stabilized the MCP joints actively in the 90° position.

RESULTS

In the 0° MCP stabilization test, no remarkable changes of the ROM were found at the MCP joints; at the proximal interphalangeal joints 2-5, the ROM decreased with ulnar nerve block, significantly at the index, middle, and ring fingers (P < .05). In the 90° MCP stabilization test, the average ROM of the MCP joints 2-5 significantly increased with ulnar nerve block (P < .05), whereas at the PIP joints, the average ROM decreased (P < .05).

DISCUSSION: The 90° MCP stabilization test had a high predictive value for the discrimination between healthy subjects and subjects with a simulated peripheral ulnar nerve lesion.

CONCLUSIONS

The results could be relevant for the determination of the functional effect of ulnar nerve palsy and the quantification of clawing in hand rehabilitation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.