Hand special tests

Question 1

Allen’s test

Answer 1

Positive: color does not return
Indicates: vascular integrity

Question 2

Tinel sign

Answer 2

Positive: neurological s/s into thumb, index, and middle finger
Indicates: median nerve compression/ carpal tunnel syndrome

Question 3

Phalen’s test

Answer 3

Positive: neurological s/s
Indicates: carpal tunnel syndrome

Question 4

Finklestein

Answer 4

Positive: pain
Indicates: dequervains syndrome (extensor pollicis brevis and/or abductor pollicis longus)

Question 5

1st MCP valgus stress test

Answer 5

Positive: pain or excessive gapping
Indicates: ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb

Question 6

Brunnell- Littler test

Answer 6

Increased PIP flexion- intrinsic tightness
Decreased PIP flexion- extrinsic tightness
No change- joint tightness

Question 7

Oblique retinacular ligament

Answer 7

Increased flexion- oblirue retinacular ligament involvement

No change- joint capsule involvement

Question 8

Anterior interosseous nerve

Answer 8

Positive; pt cannot make sign tip to tip

Indicates: median nerve damage

Question 9

Watson’s scaphoid shift

Answer 9

Positive: pain, clunk
Indicates: scaphoid/lunate instability

Question 10

Fromet’s sign

Answer 10

Positive: unable to hold paper without going tip to top
Indicates: ulnar nerve damage