You are measuring wrist ulnar deviation. Which option correctly lists the patient position, stabilization, and goniometer placement?

• A. Position: Supine w/ shoulder abducted 90 degrees and elbow flexed 90 degrees; Stabilize: Radius and ulna to prevent supination or pronation and elbow flexion beyond 90 degrees; Fulcrum: dorsal aspect over capitate; Stationary arm: dorsal midline forearm; Moving arm: dorsal midline 3rd metacarpal
• B. Position: Supine w/ shoulder abducted 90 degrees and elbow flexed 90 degrees; Stabilize: Radius and ulna to prevent supination or pronation and elbow flexion less than 90 degrees; Fulcrum: dorsal aspect over capitate; Stationary arm: dorsal midline forearm; Moving arm: dorsal midline 3rd metacarpal
• C. Position: Prone with arm by side; Stabilize: Humerus; Fulcrum: dorsal over capitate; Stationary arm: dorsal midline forearm; Moving arm: dorsal midline 3rd metacarpal
• D. Position: Supine with shoulder abducted 90 degrees and elbow flexed 90 degrees; Stabilize: Radius and ulna to prevent pronation or supination and elbow flexion beyond 90 degrees; Fulcrum: dorsal aspect over capitate; Stationary arm: ventral midline forearm; Moving arm: dorsal midline 3rd metacarpal

Answer: (B)

Measuring wrist ulnar deviation correctly hinges on isolating the wrist motion by stabilizing the forearm and using the proper landmarks. Place the patient so the forearm is supported and the elbow is about 90 degrees of flexion to prevent elbow movement from influencing the reading. Stabilize the radius and ulna to stop pronation/supination, and avoid letting the elbow move beyond 90 degrees. For the measurement itself, align the goniometer with the dorsal surface: the fulcrum sits over the capitate (dorsal aspect of the wrist), the stationary arm follows the dorsal midline of the forearm, and the moving arm follows the dorsal midline of the third metacarpal. This dorsal alignment and stabilization ensure you’re tracking true wrist motion rather than forearm rotation or elbow movement. The other options are off because they either place the limb in an inappropriate position, fail to stabilize the forearm/elbow properly, or use a ventral alignment for the stationary arm, which would misrepresent the movement being measured.