Physiotherapy forum (by Anshuman Rampal): Bunnell-Littler Test

Anshuman Rampal

HI, i am a student of physiotherapy in mother teresa saket college of Physiotherapy, chandimandir. contact on facebook

Physiotherapy is a science-based healthcare profession which views movement as central to health and well being. Physiotherapists aim to identify and make the most of movement ability by health promotion, preventive advice, treatment and rehabilitation. It is a health care profession primarily concerned with the remediation of impairments and disabilities and the promotion of mobility, functional ability, quality of life and movement potential through examination, evaluation, diagnosis and physical intervention carried out by Physical Therapists (known as Physiotherapists in some countries) and Physical Therapist Assistants (known as Physical Rehabilitation Therapists in some countries).

Did you know that you should see a physiotherapist instead of a general doctor after you fracture or break any of your bones.

Sunday, 1 April 2012

Bunnell-Littler Test

Position the patient with the forearm in pronation and the hand relaxed on the table.

Purpose :-

This test evaluates the source of PIP flexion motion limitation by differentiating between intrinsic muscle or capsular tightness in the affected digit. A typical patient presentation may include pain located in the distal intermetacarpal space and with prolonged gripping or making a fist. Symptoms are most often seen in the ring and long finger.

Technique :-

The MCP is held in an extended position and the therapist passively flexes the PIP making note of the available range. The test is then repeated with the MCP flexed. If no change in motion is detected between the two tests, then capsular restriction at the PIP joint is implicated. If the motion increases when the MCP is flexed, then lumbricale muscle tightness is implicated.
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