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Heberden's nodes

System: Muscles, Bones & Joints Signs · All muscles, bones & joints signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

Hard, bony swellings at the finger joints nearest the fingertips (distal interphalangeal joints).

What a positive finding suggests

Associated with osteoarthritis of the fingers.

◈ Behind the name

William Heberden the Elder (1710–1801), English physician.

Related signs — Muscles, Bones & Joints Signs

Adam's forward bend testAdson's testAnterior drawer testApley's grind testBarlow testBouchard's nodes

Browse the H section of the A–Z list or return to the Clinical Signs hub.

Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.