Historical
Overview
Orthopedists check the strength of the hand
by testing how effectively the patient is able to utilize lateral (key) pinch
and pulp pinch.
Description
The pinch strength test evaluates the intrinsic
and extrinsic hand muscles and shows how much power the patient demonstrates in
these muscles. Observing a patient’s ability to pinch and measuring this
ability with a pinch meter will indicate whether the patient has symptoms of
illness such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel
syndrome.
Pathophysiology
Poor pinch strength arises from a weakness in
the intrinsic and extrinsic hand muscles.
Instructions
1. Ask the patient to demonstrate lateral
(key) pinch and pulp pinch with the affected hand.
2. Observe if the patient is able to perform
these kinds of pinches with the affected hand.
3. Use a pinch meter to measure the strength
of the pinches.
4. Try the other hand for a comparison.
Variations
- Ask the patient to grip repeatedly at
an increased speed. Check if there is a decrease in force, compared with static
testing.
Related Signs
and Tests
