Hand & Wrist Joint Functions Quiz

Hand and Wrist Functions

• Provide stability and mobility of the hand in space
• Position and rotate the hand
• Capable of forming multiple shapes
• Skilled hand motions include grasping, pinching, and tactile exploration
• Transmit loads to or from external objects to the forearm

Hand and Wrist Bones

• Lower arm consists of radius and ulna
• Hand consists of carpal bones, metacarpal bones, and fingers
• Fingers consist of proximal phalanx, middle phalanx, and distal phalanx

Wrist Articulations

• Radiocarpal joint connects radius and carpal bones
• Midcarpal joint connects carpal bones
• Radioulnar joint connects radius and ulna

Wrist Kinematics

• Flexion and extension occur at the radiocarpal joint
• Abduction and adduction occur at the midcarpal joint
• Forearm pronation and supination occur at the radioulnar joint

Hand Articulations

• Carpometacarpal (CMC) joints connect carpals and metacarpals
• Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints connect metacarpals and proximal phalanx
• Interphalangeal (PIP and DIP) joints connect proximal and middle phalanx and middle and distal phalanx

Hand Kinematics

• Flexion and extension of finger joints occur at PIP and DIP joints
• Flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation of fingers occur at MCP joints
• Flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, rotation, and opposition of thumb occur at CMC joint

Types of Hand Grips

• Power grip: forceful grip with fingers flexed and thumb holding object in palm
• Precision grip: manipulating small objects between thumb and fingers

Wrist and Hand Muscles

• Wrist extensor muscles act with finger flexors
• Wrist flexor muscles act with finger extensors

Hand and Wrist Injuries

• Acute injuries: wrist and finger sprains, fractures, and dislocations
• Colles Fracture: broken wrist caused by direct force applied to the distal radius
• Symptoms of Colles Fracture: pain, weakness, swelling, and deformity
• Repetitive injuries: carpal tunnel syndrome caused by median nerve irritation
• Risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome: excessive movement of flexor tendons, wrist extension, cold temperatures, and vibrations
• Treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome: brace, physical therapy, and surgery
• Sport-specific injuries: vary depending on the sport and activity