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Flexor Pollicis Longus Compression Test

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Flexor Pollicis Longus Compression Test
Flexor Pollicis Longus Compression Test[1]
Firm pressure with the examiner’s thumb at the musculotendinous junction of the fexor pollicis longus tendon causing thumb interphalangeal joint flexion, to confirm that the flexor pollicis longus musculotendinous unit is intact[2]
  • FPL Compression Test
  • Flexor Pollicis Longus Tendon Compression Test
  • Manual FPL Compression Test
  • FPL Tendon Provocation Test
  • Thumb Flexor Compression Test
  • FPL Tendinopathy Test
  • Flexor Pollicis Longus Manual Test
  • FPL Palpation Compression Test

Purpose

Description

  • Patient’s forearm is placed in supination
    • The wrist is allowed to fall into extension
    • The thumb is positioned in a neutral position
  • Examiner supports the forearm with one hand
  • Firm pressure is applied with the examiner’s thumb
    • Approximately 10 cm proximal to the distal wrist crease
    • About 1 cm radial to the midline
  • This corresponds to the musculotendinous junction of the flexor pollicis longus (FPL)
  • Normal finding:
    • Flexion of the thumb IP joint occurs
  • Abnormal finding:
    • Absence of passive flexion of the IP joint

Pathology

Evidence

  • Unknown

See Also

References

  1. ↑ Image courtesy of handsurgeryresource.net
  2. ↑ Melton, J. T. K., J. R. D. Murray, and I. M. R. Lowdon. "A simple clinical test of flexor pollicis longus rupture." Journal of Hand Surgery 30.6 (2005): 624-625.
Created by:
John Kiel on 17 February 2026 23:29:06
Authors:
Last edited:
18 February 2026 15:46:36
Category:
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