Understanding the Elson Test Assessment
To assess the integrity of the **Central Slip** of the Extensor Digitorum Communis (EDC) tendon, rupture of which leads to a Boutonniere deformity.
Watch How It's Done
How do I start?
Patient is sitting. Hand is placed on a table with the finger being tested dangling over the edge.
What happens?
The examiner holds the patient's finger, stabilizing the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint in 90° of flexion. The patient is instructed to **actively extend the PIP joint** against the examiner's resistance.
In Plain English
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
If the PIP joint remains flexed but the examiner feels that the **Distal Interphalangeal (DIP) joint forcefully hyperextends**, it suggests a central slip rupture.
Helpful Tip:
The force is transmitted to the lateral bands, causing DIP hyperextension, indicating loss of central slip function.
Safety First
This guide is to help you understand what happens in a clinic. Do not try to diagnose yourself. If you have severe pain, swelling, or cannot put weight on your leg, please visit an urgent care center or your doctor immediately.
Other Wrist/Hand Tests
Beighton Score
To quantify **generalized joint hypermobility** (laxity) across the body. The wrist/hand components assess passive joint laxity.
Bunnell-Littler Test (or Finochietto-Bunnell Test)
To differentiate between **Intrinsic Muscle tightness** (interossei and lumbricals) and **Capsular restriction** at the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint.
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
This is the **condition name** (inflammation of the APL and EPB tendons), not a specific test. The Finkelstein Test is the primary diagnostic test.
Figure of Eight Measurement of the Hand
To quantitatively measure and track **hand and wrist edema (swelling)** over time, often used post-injury or post-surgery.