The effect of wrist deviation on grip and pinch strength.

Abstract

The effect of wrist deviation on grip and pinch strength was evaluated in 12 normal right-handed adults. Wrist positions of neutral, maximal ulnar (average, 41 degrees), and maximal radial deviation (average, 26 degrees) were held in short-arm casts while grip and key and tip pinch were measured. Wrist position was neutral with respect to flexion and extension. A highly significant effect of wrist deviation on grip strength was found (p < 0.0001). The effect on pinch strength was not statistically significant. Wrist deviation deformities arise in several clinical situations, such as radial clubhand and malunions of the distal radius. A loss of grip strength was found in radial deviation in this study. This would support 1 of the premises for surgical correction of such deviation by centralization or osteotomy.