Hand Atrophy

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to inform physician assistants how the roles of physician assistants (PAs) and occupational therapists (OTs) can complement one another in evidenced-based evaluation and treatment of patients with hand atrophy. This information can cultivate awareness and communication between practitioners to support client-centered outcomes. Another goal of this article is to review the clinical evaluation of patients presenting with hand atrophy, from a neurology perspective, for PAs practicing in a variety of settings, including primary care, neurology, and orthopaedics. PAs can encounter patients with hand atrophy as a primary or secondary impairment in a variety of neurological, systemic, and musculoskeletal conditions. The differential diagnosis of hand atrophy is large, and physician assistants must be able to clinically differentiate etiologies for appropriate workup and management. Patients with hand atrophy can experience physical, emotional, and psychosocial challenges that affect hand use and recovery of function. Collaboration between the PA and OT can support a holistic approach that focuses on forming a partnership with the patient to achieve their goals.