Abstract

Backgrounds: Several tests are used to assess the presence of palmaris longus tendon. In the present study we attempted to assess the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of five of the most famous ones and also the examination of fifth superficial flexor function. Methods: Two observers, who had been trained about the tests and had practiced on them, examined 105 volunteers on two separate occasions and in one-month interval and the results were recorded. The reliability of each method was assessed with Kappa measurement. Results: Kappa ranged from 0.541 (moderate reliability) to 0.813 (almost complete agreement) for Palmaris. The highest interobserver and intraobserver reliability and also the best agreement with other tests was the Shaeffer test. The lowest Kappa was for Thompson and the others had good to excellent reliability. Kappa for interobserver and intraobserver reliability for fifth flexor was respectively 0.415 and 0.500 (moderate reliability). Conclusion: The tests that were assessed have good reliability except for Thompson that has a moderate one. It seems that the standard test (Schaeffer) is the best method for assessment of palmaris Longus absence or presence. The method assessed for evaluation of fifth superficial flexor variations assessment has a moderate interobserver and intraobserver reliability.

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