Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) Practice Exam

What does a positive result on the extrinsic tendon tightness test indicate?

1. Excessive flexibility of the fingers

2. Presence of joint contracture

3. Intrinsic tightness in the fingers

4. Extrinsic tendon tightness

The correct answer is: Extrinsic tendon tightness

A positive result on the extrinsic tendon tightness test indicates extrinsic tendon tightness. This test is designed to assess the flexibility and mobility of the extrinsic tendons, which are the tendons that originate in the forearm and extend into the fingers. When extrinsic tendon tightness is present, it suggests that the tendons are restricted in their movement, potentially leading to limitations in finger motion. The extrinsic tendons are crucial for finger function, and tightness can result from various conditions, such as overuse or injury. The test involves assessing the range of motion in the fingers while controlling for other factors, such as the position of the wrist. A positive test shows that when the wrist is positioned in a way that should allow for full finger extension or flexion, the movement is still restricted due to tightness in the extrinsic tendons. Understanding this allows therapists to formulate an appropriate treatment plan that may include stretching, strengthening exercises, or manual therapy techniques to address the tightness and enhance functional movement in the fingers.