Evaluation of the Hand By Alexandra Villa-Forte, MD, MPH, Cleveland Clinic Reviewed / Revised Feb 2022 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Physical Examination of the Hand Topic Resources Bones of the Hand How to Examine the Hand An evaluation of the hand includes a physical examination and sometimes arthrocentesis (see How To Do Metacarpophalangeal and Interphalangeal Joint Arthrocentesis).