Provocative Hand Tests

Question 1

• tests blood flow in radial and ulnar arteries to the hand
o obstruct radial and ulnar arteries and pump fingers until blood extinguishes
o release one artery and see if blood flow returns
o repeat with the other artery

Answer 1

Allen’s Test

Question 2

• tests for nerve damange/ impingement (CTS, Cubital Tunnel)
o tap over distribution of nerve
o positive would be magnification of symptoms

Answer 2

Tinel’s Test

Question 3

• Tests for carpal tunnel syndrome
o Hold wrist in full flexion for 60 seconds
o Positive would be magnification of symptoms

Answer 3

Phalen’s Test

Question 4

• Tests for palsy of ulnar nerve, specifically adductor pollicis
o Positive would be patient having to flex thumb to hold paper b/w thumb and fist

Answer 4

Froment’s Test

Question 5

• Tests for Dequervain’s
o Hold thumb in fist
o Gently ulnarly deviate
o Positive would be increased pain with test

Answer 5

Finklestein’s Test

Question 6

• Tests for Anterior Interosseous nerve damange (FPL, PQ, FPD muscles)
o Unable to form an ‘okay’ sign with the fingers

Answer 6

OK Test

Question 7

o Flex elbow for 1 minute

o Positive would be increased symptoms

Answer 7

Cubital Tunnel Test

Question 8

• Tests for lateral epicondylitis (ECRB muscle)
o Extend elbow, pronate forearm, flex wrist, radially deviate wrist
o Positive would be increased pain at lateral epicondylitis

Answer 8

Mill’s Test

Question 9

• Tests for lateral epicondylitis

o Flex and radially deviate wrist w/ elbow extended and forearm pronated against resistance

Answer 9

Cozen’s Test

Question 10

• Tests for issues with supraspinatus
o Positive would be increase pain with test
o Pain, weakness suggest rotator cuff problem

Answer 10

Empty Can Test

Question 11

• Tests for thoracic outlet syndrome
o Holds hands above head and pumps fingers for 3 minutes (chicken dance position)
o Positive would be fatigue of arms before 3 (1 ½- 3) minutes

Answer 11

Elevated Arm Stress Test (EAST)

Question 12

• Tests for Bicep Tendon Tendonitis
o Flex should to 90 degrees with hand supinated, apply resistance
o Pain, weakness suggest issue with bicep tendon

Answer 12

Speed’s Test

Question 13

• Shoulder impingement test
o Place fist parallel to opposite should with forearm horizontal, take fist and rotate toward the floor
o Positive would be increased pain

Answer 13

Hawkins Kennedy

Question 14

• Tests Rotator Cuff
o Have patient start with arms in the air above head and try to bring them down slowly
o Positive if the patient’s arms drop down rather than slowly coming down

Answer 14

Drop Arm Test