Test for tight retinacular [ collateral ] ligaments

• The Harness-Zancolli test is another name for this evaluation.
• The retinacular ligaments’ tightness is evaluated with this technique.
• When a patient complains about their wrist joint, the therapist will perform this clinical examination.

What is the importance of the Test for tight retinacula [ collateral ] ligaments?

The structures around the proximal interphalangeal joints are examined with this test.

How do you check the test for tight retinacula [ collateral ] ligaments:

• The starting position of the exam for the test patient is the seated position.
• The examiner [therapist] flexes the distal interphalangeal joint while holding the proximal interphalangeal joints in a neutral position.

The test for tight retinacular [collateral] ligaments gives the following results:

• The proximal interphalangeal capsule or retinacular[collateral] ligaments are tight if the distal interphalangeal joint is rigid.
• The retinacular ligaments are tight and the capsule is normal if the proximal interphalangeal joint can bend and the distal interphalangeal joints can bend readily.
• The patient does not make any aggressive movements or stay motionless throughout the exam.

Thumb grind test:

What is the importance of the thumb grind test?

This test is performed to examine the wrist joint’s degenerative joint condition.

How do you check the thumb grind test?

• The patient is seated during the examination.
• With the aid of the other hand, the examiner grasps the patient’s thumb just below the metacarpophalangeal joint while holding the patient’s hand.
• The axial compression and rotation of the metacarpophalangeal joints are then applied by the examiner (therapist).

What is the result of the thumb grind test?

• If the metacarpophalangeal or metacarpotrapezial joint, which is where the pain is coming from, has degenerative joint disease.
• Any wrist or hand joint that experiences axial compression while rotating may also show a positive test in the same situations.