Abstract

KIGERA, James WM  and  KATUSIME, Alfred. Clinical assessment of the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle to the fifth finger -accuracy of common tests. SA orthop. j. [online]. 2012, vol.11, n.4, pp.52-52. ISSN 2309-8309.

INTRODUCTION: There are several tests described to determine the presence of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) muscle in the fifth digit, though it is unclear which of them is most accurate. We conducted a study to determine the accuracy of three common tests. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted comparing three common clinical tests among patients and students in a large teaching hospital in East Africa to determine their accuracy in ascertaining the presence of the FDS in the fifth digit. RESULTS The modified test was the most accurate in detecting the FDS, followed by the new test. The most inaccurate test was the standard test. DISCUSSION The modified test was the most accurate test and is recommended in clinical studies trying to demonstrate the FDS function to the fifth digit.

Keywords : flexor digitorum superficialis; fifth digit; tests.

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