Wrist and Hand Injury Exam

The wrist and hand injury exam checks bones, joints, tendons, nerves, and blood flow. The wrist is a complex joint made of 8 carpal bones and many ligaments. The hand has 5 metacarpal bones, and the fingers have 14 phalanges. Tendons and muscles lie over these bones and help move the hand and fingers.

1. Inspection

Insect both hands and wrists, comparing between the sides, and look for the following:

1. Swelling or masses in the joints or soft tissue, commonly seen with arthritis or ganglion cysts.
2. Redness or warmth, which may suggest inflammation or infection.
3. Atro...