During a right lateral strain of the SBS, what is the motion permitted for the right second and fifth digits?

• A. Superior and anterior
• B. Inferior and posterior
• C. Rotational only
• D. Inferior and anterior

Answer: (A)

In a right lateral strain of the SBS, the strain vector shifts the right side of the cranial base upward and forward relative to the left. When you palpate with the right hand, the fingers that contact the SBS on that side follow this directional tendency. Therefore the motion available to the right second and fifth digits is upward (superior) and forward (anterior).

This matches the pattern of a lateral strain, where the affected side shows a forward, upward glide while the opposite side would move in the opposite direction. Rotational-only movements or moves that are inferior/posterior don’t align with the lateral-strain vector, which is why superior and anterior is the best description for the right-side digits in this scenario.