Edmund M. Kosmahl, PT, EdD

Department of Physical Therapy - University of Scranton

GONIOMETRY WEB SITE

INTERPHALANGEAL JOINT FLEXION

|| Intro. || || Upper Ext. || || Lower Ext. || || Spine || || TMJ ||

Note: This page demonstrates the technique for index proximal interphalangeal joint flexion. The technique for all other interphalangeal joints is similar. Simply align the goniometer over the proximal and distal joint partners (bones) for the joint you wish to measure.

IP Flexion Photo

Test Position

Subject sitting with forearm resting on table
Wrist, metacarpal, and non-tested interphalangeal joints relaxed
Forearm neutral
Stabilize proximal bone to prevent motion

Normal Range

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

PIP fingers - 102^o (index), 105^o (long), 108^o (ring), 106^o (little) ( active motion)
DIP fingers - 72^o (index), 71^o (long), 63^o (ring), 65^o (little) ( active motion)
IP thumb - 73^o

American Medical Association

100^o (PIP fingers), 70^o(DIP fingers), 80^o (IP thumb)

Goniometer Alignment

dorsal proximal interphalangeal joint
Stationary arm – aligned with proximal phalange
Moving arm – aligned with middle phalange

Normal End Feel

Proximal Interphalangeal Finger Joints

bone on bone (if tissues overlying palmar aspect of bones is thin)
soft tissue approximation (if tissues overlying palmar aspect of bones is thick)

Distal Interphalangeal Finger Joints and Thumb Interphalangeal Joint

capsular

|| Intro. || || Upper Ext. || || Lower Ext. || || Spine || || TMJ ||

To First Goniometry Page