When a client assumes an intrinsic plus position the collateral ligaments are in a ________ position because of the round shape of the metacarpal heads.

• A. Shortened
• B. Slackened
• C. Lengthened
• D. Normal

Answer: (C)

In intrinsic plus position, the fingers’ MCP joints are flexed while the IP joints are extended. This flexed MCP posture places the collateral ligaments under tension as the joint surfaces rotate over the rounded metacarpal heads. That tension lengthens the ligaments relative to their slack state, so they are in a lengthened position to stabilize the joint during flexion. Shortened would imply they’re tighter in a neutral or extended state, which isn’t the case here; slackened would be seen when the joints are extended, not flexed; and normal would ignore the tensile state of the ligaments in this posture.