Palmar Versus the Dorsal Surface of the Hand for Assessment of Limb’s Skin Temperature Changes in Musculoskeletal Diseases

Background and Objectives: To date, no clinical study has been done to confirm the superiority of either hand surface for feeling the skin temperature of a patient’s limb during the routine musculoskeletal physical examination by medical personnel. The study aimed to determine which hand surface, palmar or dorsal, is superior clinically in detecting changes in the skin temperature of a patient’s limbs during the physical examination of the musculoskeletal system. Methods: The study was an observational cross-sectional study that included two types of participants: four patients with musculoskeletal disease in one of their limbs and 25 healthy adult volunteers as examiners. Each examiner checked the skin temperature of both limbs of each patient with either surface of their hand separately. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between both surfaces of the hand (the palm was superior) when used to detect mild differences between both limbs’ temperatures. No difference between both surfaces was found when there was no difference or if there was a significant difference between limbs’ temperature. Conclusion: The hand's palmar surface was superior clinically in detecting mild differences in limb skin temperature during the physical examination of the limb with musculoskeletal system disorders.