Hand Anatomy, Biomechanics, and Clinical Examination — Skin, Tendons, Nerves, and Functional Diagnosis

This episode reviews the core principles of hand anatomy, biomechanics, and clinical examination, focusing on the hand as an integrated system of skin, fascia, bones, tendons, nerves, vessels, and functional diagnosis.Topics include the contrast between loose dorsal skin and fixed palmar skin, dorsal edema from volar pathology, Littler’s diamonds, Kaplan’s cardinal line, the recurrent motor branch of the median nerve, and the relationship of Grayson’s and Cleland’s ligaments to the digital neurovascular bundle.Biomechanics are reviewed through the carpal arch, capitate as the keystone, Gilula’s lines, dart-thrower’s motion, fixed and mobile units of the hand, flexor tendon Zone II, the A2/A4 pulleys, Camper’s chiasm, extensor compartments, and the clinical importance of the juncturae tendinum.Clinical examination strategies include Allen’s test, Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, two-point discrimination, wrinkle test, Finkelstein test, Watson shift test, ulnar fovea sign, Roos test, and occupational pathology such as hand-arm vibration syndrome, hypothenar hammer syndrome, trigger finger, and gamekeeper’s thumb.Part of Dr. Lara’s Plastic Surgery Compendium — a high-yield audio reference for plastic surgery trainees and surgeons. DisclaimerThis podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is designed for medical students, residents, fellows, and practicing healthcare professionals. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for any individual patient. The content presented reflects general surgical principles and should not be used as a substitute for formal medical training, clinical judgment, or consultation with qualified healthcare professionals. Listening to this podcast does not establish a physician–patient relationship.SEO / Topic Keywordshand anatomy, hand biomechanics, hand clinical examination, Kaplan cardinal line, recurrent motor branch median nerve, Grayson ligament, Cleland ligament, Littler diamonds, dorsal hand edema, palmar fascia, Gilula lines, carpal arch, capitate keystone, dart throwers motion, flexor tendon zone 2, A2 pulley, A4 pulley, Camper chiasm, extensor compartments, juncturae tendinum, Allen test, two-point discrimination, Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, Watson shift test, ulnar fovea sign, trigger finger, gamekeeper thumb, hypothenar hammer syndrome