PubHawk
Clin Orthop Relat Res April 2017 PMID 28050816

"Knuckle Cracking": Can Blinded Observers Detect Changes with Physical Examination and Sonography?

Robert D Boutin, Anuj P Netto, David Nakamura, Cyrus Bateni, Robert M Szabo, Michael Cronan, Brent Foster, William R Barfield, J Anthony Seibert, Abhijit J Chaudhari

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Mentions

18
Peak: 3 in Oct 2022
across 5 sources since May 2019

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1,291,868
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Total likes

23,898

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May 2019 – Dec 2025

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  • X / Twitter4 posts
  • YouTube3 videos
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AI synopsis

What people are saying

Discussions highlight the study's conclusion that knuckle cracking doesn't lead to joint damage, with posts referencing the clinical examination and ultrasound findings. The tone is informative and somewhat cautious, emphasizing that habiters need not worry excessively, which reflects both interest and acknowledgment of practical relevance.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most posts agree that knuckle cracking does not cause harm, reflecting a consensus supported by the study's findings.

InterestModerate interest

Posts show moderate curiosity, discussing the details of the study and potential implications for health and habits.

EngagementModerate engagement

Discussions include referencing the methodology and results, indicating thoughtful engagement.

ImpactModerate impact

While the posts acknowledge the study's findings, few express strong certainty about changing behaviors or policy, so impact is moderate.

Abstract in brief

  • Habitual knuckle cracking is common, affecting about 25-45% of people, and may be linked to hand issues, but this study found no significant differences in hand function or symptoms between those who crack their knuckles and those who don't.
  • The study examined 400 joints in 40 adults, using physical exams and ultrasound imaging, and found that cracking the knuckles temporarily increased the range of motion (ROM) without causing swelling, weakness, or joint laxity.
  • Ultrasound revealed characteristic findings like a hyperechoic focus during joint distraction, but there was no difference between crack and non-crack groups in clinical symptoms or function, suggesting that knuckle cracking doesn't lead to detectable joint damage in healthy adults.]
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Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Dr. K - スポーツ理学療法士
@PhysioAcademia7 · X

[指鳴らしは本当によくないの？] ある研究によると、身体的な悪影響は認められなかったが、鳴らさない人たちに比べると関節可動域がわずかに大きくなっていることが観測された。 関節を鳴らすことは悪いことではないけれど、関節が多少緩くなるかもしれないですね。 https://t.co/B4zTrtZqZS

Oct 18, 2022 · 3 likes · 1,691 followers View post →
Dr. K - Physio Hub
@Physiohub101 · X

[Is Knuckle Cracking Really Bad!?] According to a study done with 400 fingers, they found no evidence of immediate adverse effects. However, they found a small increase in ROM among joints compared to the control group. https://t.co/ErtiiKFKbl

Oct 18, 2022 · 3 likes · 1 share · 43 followers View post →
Dragonflynda
@Dragonflynda · X

@Rainmaker1973 The official papers on this that give documentation on this and related studies. https://t.co/r0kRWWTAMe https://t.co/wXkTz0S6Og I, prognostic study

Jan 22, 2021 · 25,297 followers View post →
Physio English - リハトレ英語
@RehaTrain_ENG · X

RT @Physio_Hub7: [Is Knuckle Cracking Really Bad!?] According to a study done with 400 fingers, they found no evidence of immediate adverse…

Oct 20, 2022 · 1 share · 70 followers View post →

All mentions

Physio English - リハトレ英語
@RehaTrain_ENG · X

RT @Physio_Hub7: [Is Knuckle Cracking Really Bad!?] According to a study done with 400 fingers, they found no evidence of immediate adverse…

Oct 20, 2022 · 1 share · 70 followers View post →
Dr. K - Physio Hub
@Physiohub101 · X

[Is Knuckle Cracking Really Bad!?] According to a study done with 400 fingers, they found no evidence of immediate adverse effects. However, they found a small increase in ROM among joints compared to the control group. https://t.co/ErtiiKFKbl

Oct 18, 2022 · 3 likes · 1 share · 43 followers View post →
Dr. K - スポーツ理学療法士
@PhysioAcademia7 · X

[指鳴らしは本当によくないの？] ある研究によると、身体的な悪影響は認められなかったが、鳴らさない人たちに比べると関節可動域がわずかに大きくなっていることが観測された。 関節を鳴らすことは悪いことではないけれど、関節が多少緩くなるかもしれないですね。 https://t.co/B4zTrtZqZS

Oct 18, 2022 · 3 likes · 1,691 followers View post →
Dragonflynda
@Dragonflynda · X

@Rainmaker1973 The official papers on this that give documentation on this and related studies. https://t.co/r0kRWWTAMe https://t.co/wXkTz0S6Og I, prognostic study

Jan 22, 2021 · 25,297 followers View post →
Lydia Pichler | Leonding
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doi: 10.1007/s11999-016-5215-3. Epub 2017 Jan 3. PMID: 28050816; PMCID: PMC5339152. Deweber K, Olszewski M, Ortolano R. Knuckle cracking and hand ...

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Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research 475(4):p 1265-1271, April 2017. | DOI: 10.1007/s11999-016-5215-3. more. View all 12 comments. June ...

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Хятадын шинэ “Ясны цавуу”-ны нэг тарилга нь ясыг бараг 3 ...
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... 2017. | DOI: 10.1007/s11999-016-5215-3. more. View all 12 comments. June 16, 2024 · dr.khoserdene's profile picture · dr.khoserdene. •. Follow.

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#MADE_IN_JAPAN #TBC_CROSS Хөлийн #эрхийн_хуруу засагч ...
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| DOI: 10.1007/s11999-016-5215-3. more. View all 12 comments. June 16, 2024 · coolbon_mongolia's profile picture. coolbon_mongolia. •. Follow.

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УХАРХАЙН ЯСНЫ ХУГАРАЛ (Ухархайн хугарал гэж юу вэ ...
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... 1271, April 2017. | DOI: 10.1007/s11999-016-5215-3. more. View all 12 comments. June 16, 2024 · aistglobaltv's profile picture. aistglobaltv. •.

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Спондилолистезийн доройтлыг нэг нугалам доороосоо урагш ...
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| DOI: 10.1007/s11999-016-5215-3. more. View all 12 comments. June 16, 2024 · amrida.internationel.med's profile picture. amrida.internationel.

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Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research 475(4):p 1265-1271, April 2017. | DOI: 10.1007/s11999-016-5215-3. more. View all 12 comments. June ...

May 29, 2025 View →
Mythbusting: Does Knuckle Cracking Really Lead to Arthritis?
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https://doi.org/10.1007/s11999-016-5215-3; Watson, P., Kernohan, W. G., & Mollan, R. A. (1989). A study of the cracking sounds from the ...

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Хурууны үеээ дуугаргадаг бол анхаараарай Хэдийгээр байнгын ...
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... Orthopaedics and Related Research 475(4):p 1265-1271, April 2017. | DOI: 10.1007/s11999-016-5215-3 | ОДОО БОЛЬЁ | Facebook. Log in · Video.

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