Clinical assessment of the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle to the fifth finger-accuracy of common tests

Abstract

There are several tests described to determine the presence of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) muscle in the fifth digit, though it is unclear which of them is most accurate. We conducted a study to determine the accuracy of three common tests. A prospective study was conducted comparing three common clinical tests among patients and students in a large teaching hospital in East Africa to determine their accuracy in ascertaining the presence of the FDS in the fifth digit. The modified test was the most accurate in detecting the FDS, followed by the new test. The most inaccurate test was the standard test. The modified test was the most accurate test and is recommended in clinical studies trying to demonstrate the FDS function to the fifth digit.