Article

The carpometacarpal (CMC) joint of the thumb is a complex joint making accurate
measurement of range of motion (ROM) challenging. There are limited normative
data available to base rehabilitative decisions, which is unfortunate as this
joint is frequently affected by arthritis and is critical to hand function. PURPOSE : To provide passive ROM values for the first CMC joint and
investigate the effects of age and gender. METHODS:
Ninety-six healthy subjects
were divided into 4 age groups of equal gender: 20-34, 35-49, 50-64, and 65+
years. Six-inch plastic universal goniometers were used to take 3 measurements of
flexion, extension, and abduction of the dominant hand. RESULTS: Mean ROM values
were 21.7 +/- 6.8 degrees of flexion, 19.5 +/- 5.7 degrees of extension, and 51.1
+/- 5.5 degrees of abduction. There was a weak negative correlation (r = -0.22; P
= .03) between age and abduction and a difference between 2 age groups. No other
relationship or difference due to age, gender, or interactions reached
significance. CONCLUSIONS: These normative ROM values for adults can be used by
clinicians assessing patients for impaired motion at the CMC joint. No differences in flexion, extension, and abduction due to age and gender were
supported, except for a small decrease (4.5 degrees ) in abduction in adults 65+
years compared with those of 35-49 years.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.
CI - Copyright (c) 2017 Hanley & Belfus. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS