Comprehensive Hand Examination

Description

In this detailed instructional video, Dr. Vinay Kumar Singh conducts a comprehensive overview of hand examination, emphasizing the crucial role of the hand in daily functions and the importance of thorough assessment. The session begins by highlighting the significance of the hand as both a functional and sensory organ, pivotal for activities such as grasping and expression.



Dr. Singh advocates for meticulous history-taking, considering factors such as age, occupation, hobbies, and handedness, which can affect diagnosis and treatment options for hand injuries. Pain and swelling are primary concerns in hand examinations, with attention given to their characteristics to aid in differential diagnosis.



The examination process involves careful inspection, palpation, and assessment of movement capabilities. Special attention is paid to specific pathologies, tendon injuries, and deformities, including conditions such as Dupuytren's disease, trigger finger, and various forms of finger deformities like boutonniere and swan neck deformities. Dr. Singh provides practical examination techniques, such as the Elson test for central slip injuries and methods to evaluate intrinsic versus extrinsic tightness in the hand.



Throughout the tutorial, Dr. Singh stresses the importance of recognizing symptoms indicative of serious conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome, and emphasizes the need for prompt surgical intervention in cases of infection. He concludes by encouraging viewers to enhance their confidence in conducting hand examinations, reiterating that a thorough understanding of each component of the examination is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective patient management.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-221854

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