Key aspects of anatomy, surgical approaches and clinical examination of the hand

Abstract

Knowledge of the functional anatomy of the hand is essential to be able to successfully clinically examine and operate on it. The topic of hand anatomy, clinical examination and surgical approaches is therefore closely linked and discussed in this article. The focus will be on detailed functional anatomy of the joints, tendons, and other soft tissue structures of the hand, related to the clinical examination and surgical approaches. Particular attention will be paid to the superficial and deep flexor tendons and how to examine them; the extensor mechanism and examination of the central slip; and surgical approaches to the finger. The pathoanatomy of Dupuytren's disease and fingertip infections are also discussed.