Understanding the Figure of Eight Measurement of the Hand Assessment
To quantitatively measure and track **hand and wrist edema (swelling)** over time, often used post-injury or post-surgery.
Watch How It's Done
How do I start?
Patient is seated. Hand is resting on a table.
What happens?
A measuring tape is used in a specific 'figure of eight' pattern: starting at the radial styloid, diagonally across the dorsal hand to the 5th MCP head, diagonally across the palmar surface to the 2nd MCP head, and back across the dorsum to the radial styloid.
In Plain English
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
An **increase in measurement (circumference)** compared to the previous measurement or the opposite, unaffected hand indicates edema.
Helpful Tip:
The measurement should be performed in a consistent manner and position to ensure reliability.
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.
Elson Test
To assess the integrity of the **Central Slip** of the Extensor Digitorum Communis (EDC) tendon, rupture of which leads to a Boutonniere deformity.