Clinical anatomy and mechanics of the wrist and hand.

Hand rehabilitation is an area with the potential for providing orthopaedic physical therapists a challenging and rewarding practice. However, success in treating the patient with hand dysfunction is closely associated with the therapist's understanding of essential anatomic and pathokinesiologic principles and the related ability to adequately evaluate, plan, and perform treatment. This article, the first of a two-part series, is intended to provide a working knowledge of clinical anatomy, mechanics, and pathology of the wrist and hand. Emphasis is placed on the structure and function of parts which commonly limit motion, and sufficient information is provided to aid the clinician in performing a differential diagnosis and developing treatment rationale. The second part of the series will describe a practical method of evaluation and offer treatment suggestions for specific disorders.J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1983;4(4):206-216.