College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

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What hand deformity is characterized by the inability to oppose or flex the thumb?

Ape Hand Deformity
Claw Fingers
Bishop's Hand
Trigger Finger

The correct answer is: Ape Hand Deformity

The condition known as Ape Hand Deformity is characterized by the inability to flex or oppose the thumb, leading to a flat appearance of the hand. This deformity often occurs due to median nerve injury, which affects the muscles responsible for thumb opposition, specifically the opponens pollicis muscle. As a result, the thumb tends to align with the fingers rather than being able to move away from them, which is essential for grasping and pinching objects. In contrast, Claw Fingers involve hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal joints and flexion of the interphalangeal joints, primarily affecting the ulnar nerve but preserving thumb function. Bishop's Hand, or ulnar nerve palsy, has similar implications where the ring and little fingers are affected but again does not prevent thumb opposition. Trigger Finger is a condition resulting from inflammation of the tendon sheaths, leading to difficulty extending or flexing a finger but does not specifically affect thumb opposition. Thus, Ape Hand Deformity distinctly illustrates the inability to flex or oppose the thumb, marking its unique recognition among other hand deformities.