Physical Exam

Wrist and Hand Palpation

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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

Palpate the wrist and hand systematically, comparing sides. Feel the distal radius and ulna, the carpal bones (including the anatomical snuffbox over the scaphoid), the carpometacarpal, metacarpophalangeal, and interphalangeal joints, the tendons, and the thenar and hypothenar muscles. Note any tenderness, swelling, warmth, nodules, or deformity.

How to Interpret

Scaphoid Fracture

Anatomical snuffbox tenderness (tenderness over the scaphoid in the anatomical snuffbox after wrist injury)

Rule in

—

Rule out

Helpful

Evidence:Strong

References

Carpenter CR, Pines JM, Schuur JD, Muir M, Calfee RP, Raja AS. Adult scaphoid fracture. Acad Emerg Med. 2014 Feb;21(2):101-121. doi:10.1111/acem.12317. PMID 24673666.
Altman R, Alarcon G, Appelrouth D, et al. The American College of Rheumatology criteria for the classification and reporting of osteoarthritis of the hand. Arthritis Rheum. 1990 Nov;33(11):1601-1610. doi:10.1002/art.1780331101.
Aletaha D, Neogi T, Silman AJ, et al. 2010 Rheumatoid arthritis classification criteria: an American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism collaborative initiative. Arthritis Rheum. 2010 Sep;62(9):2569-2581. doi:10.1002/art.27584. PMID 20872595.
De Quervain Tenosynovitis. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023. NBK442005.
Bickley LS, Szilagyi PG, Hoffman RM, Soriano RP. Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2021.
Swartz MH. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025.