Modified Kinematic Technique for Measuring Pathological Hyperextension and Hypermobility of the Interphalangeal Joints

Dynamic finger joint motion is difficult to measure using optical motion analysis techniques due to the limited surface area allowed for adequate marker placement. This paper describes an extension of a previously validated kinematic measurement technique using a reduced surface marker set and outlines the required calculations based on a specific surface marker placement to calculate flexion/extension and hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, and distal interphalangeal joints. The modified technique has been assessed for accuracy using a series of static reference frames (absolute residual error = ±3.7°, cross correlation between new method and reference frames; r = 0.99). The method was then applied to a small group of participants with rheumatoid arthritis (seven females, one male; mean age = 62.8 years ± 12.04) and illustrated congruent strategies of movement for a participant and a large range of finger joint movement over the sample (5.8-71.1°, smallest to largest active range of motion). This method used alongside the previous paper provides a comprehensive, validated method for calculating 3-D wrist, hand, fingers, and thumb kinematics to date and provides a valuable measurement tool for clinical research.