Bunnel’s Test

Published July 2, 2026 Read time 1 min read Readers 1
Bunnels Test

What is the "Bunnel's Test" used for?

  • It’s used to distinguish between intrinsic muscles tightness & extrinsic muscle tightness.

How to perform the "Bunnel's Test"?

  • Examiner passively flexes PIPJ twice
    • first with MCP in extension
    • next with MCP held in flexion

What is the positive result?

  • Intrinsic tightness present if PIP can be flexed easily when MCP is flexed but NOT when MCP is extended
  • extrinsic tightness present if PIP can be flexed easily when MCP is extended but NOT when MCP is flexed

References