Abstract

Background: Hand function is considered as one of major indicators of health. In some of the medical specialities the power of the grip and pinch is important. In this study we wanted to see if grip and pinch power in orthopedic residents and surgeons is higher than other similar specialities. Method and materials: 164 medical school doctors, both faculty staff and residents of different specialities voluntarily participated in this study. The “grip power” was measured with mechanical Dynamometer and “pinch” with standard mechanical pinch gauge. Result: Grip power of the orthopedic surgeons, with average age 44.8 and standard deviation of 10.27 in both hands were significantly higher than orthopedic and non-orthopedic residents. The grip power of right hand and left hand of orthopedic group was significantly higher than non-orthopedic group 48.8519 kg (SD: 2.36320) versus 41.8675 kg (SD: 10.94105) and p<0.001. For the pinch power there was no significant difference 9.4814 kg (SD: 0.70858) versus 9.4815 kg (SD: 1.86404), (P<0.799). The finding of this study showed that grip power of the right and left hands of orthopedic residents and surgeons was more than the others but “pinch power” in this study 87.2% were right and 12.8 were left handed. Conclusion: This study has shown that the grip power of the orthopedic surgeons and residents in both right and left hand are higher than the other measured group, with no difference in pinch power.

Authors and Affiliations