Wrist

Question 1

What does a positive Tinel wrist sign indicate?

Answer 1

Reproduction of pain, tenderness and/or paresthesia in the median nerve distribution area

Indicates Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Question 2

What does a positive Palen sign indicate?

Answer 2

Reproduction of pain, tenderness and/or paresthesia in the median nerve distribution area

Indicates Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Question 3

What is the indication of a positive Finkelstein test?

Answer 3

Pain distal to the radial styloid process

Indicates stenosing tenosynovitis of the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons (DeQuervain’s Disease).

Question 4

What does a positive Bunnell-Littler test indicate when flexion of the proximal interphalangeal joint cannot be achieved?

Answer 4

Joint capsule contracture

This indicates that there is a restriction in the joint capsule.

Question 5

What does a positive Bunnell-Littler test indicate when flexion of the proximal interphalangeal joint is achieved?

Answer 5

Tight intrinsic muscles

This indicates that the intrinsic muscles are not functioning properly.

Question 6

What does a positive Retinacular test indicate when flexion of the distal interphalangeal joint cannot be achieved?

Answer 6

Joint capsule contracture

This suggests a restriction in the joint capsule.

Question 7

What does a positive Retinacular test indicate when flexion of the distal interphalangeal joint is achieved?

Answer 7

Tight intrinsic muscles

Implies that the intrinsic muscles are tight but the joint capsule is not restricted.

Question 8

What does a positive Allen test indicate?

Answer 8

Delay of more than 10 seconds in returning a reddish color to the hand

Indicates radial or ulnar artery insufficiency.

Question 9

What does the Fromet paper sign indicate?

Answer 9

The patient is unable to maintain grip on the paper

Indicates ulnar nerve paralysis.