Reduced muscle strength in abduction of the index finger: an important clinical sign in hand-arm vibration syndrome

Abstract

Muscle strength in extrinsic and intrinsic hand muscle was assessed in 21 patients with hand-arm vibration syndrome. Twenty-one age-matched healthy workers served as controls. Grip and pinch strength was significantly reduced in the vibration-exposed group (18%; p = 0.006 and 18% p = 0.007, respectively) as well as strength of palmar abduction of the thumb (28%; p < 0.0001) and radial abduction of the index finger (37%; p < 0.0001) while abduction strength in the little finger was not significantly reduced (7%). We postulate that the reduced manipulative skill and impaired dexterity of the hand, which often is associated with vibration syndrome, is not only of sensorineural origin but may also be an effect of reduced intrinsic muscle strength. Reduced strength in abduction of the index finger is an important indicator of intrinsic muscular dysfunction in subjects who use hand-held vibrating tools.