Claw Hand, Ape Hand, and the Sign of Benediction: Animated Review

Dr. Eric Laywell, Associate Professor at the Florida State University College of Medicine, discusses three hand deformities resulting from various injuries to the nerves of the forearm: Claw hand, ape hand, and the sign of benediction. These signs are easily confused as they have have similar clinical presentations and involve many of the same hand muscles. Dr. Laywell’s narrated review, with animated muscles joints and tendons, clarifies the sites of injury and the mechanics behind the signs’ presentations. Special thank you to our content editors Dr. Christopher Leadem and Dr. Lynn Romrell of the Florida State University College of Medicine. This animation was directed and produced by Jodi Slade, senior medical illustrator at the FSU College of Medicine. This animation and all content is ©2017 The Florida State University College of Medicine