In assessing permanent impairment of the index finger, which factors are typically considered?

• A. Active flexion range
• B. Grip strength
• C. Both A and B
• D. Age

Answer: (C)

Assessing a finger’s permanent impairment focuses on how the injury limits function. The index finger’s impairment is typically evaluated by two practical measures: active flexion range and grip strength. Active flexion range reveals how much the finger can bend at the finger joints, indicating joint and soft-tissue restrictions that affect tasks like pinching and grabbing. Grip strength shows how much force the finger and hand can produce in grasping activities, reflecting the functional impact on everyday use. Together, these measures capture both motion loss and strength loss, providing a fuller picture of impairment than either alone. Age, on the other hand, isn’t a standard part of digit impairment ratings, since the rating centers on the deficit caused by the injury itself rather than age-related changes.