ABSTRACT
Introduction: Accurate examination of the hand is necessary to decide on appropriate diagnosis and treatment and ensure a good outcome in both acute and chronic conditions. This chapter discusses the various aspects of the examination of the hand in a pediatric patient. This chapter discusses the setting up of a pediatric hand clinic and the surface anatomy and key terminologies one should be familiar with when evaluating pediatric hand pathology. The salient points to be noted in the history are discussed. A detailed description of the clinical examination, including motor, sensory examination, vascular, and neurological examination, are described in detail in the chapter. A brief overview of the adjunctive investigations and an approach to making a differential diagnosis based on clinical examination is also discussed in this chapter.
Conclusion: The reader will be able to carry out a systematic clinical evaluation of pediatric hand pathology and arrive at the common differential diagnoses.
