Wrist and Hand special Tests

Question 1

Tinel Wrist Sign

Answer 1

Positive: Reproduction of pain, tenderness, and or paresthesia in the median nerve distribution area (thumb, 2nd, 3rd, and lateral 1/2 of the forth digit.

Indicates: Median neuritis, possibly carpal tunnel syndrome

Question 2

Phalen Sign and Reverse Phalen Sign (AKA prayer sign)

Answer 2

Positive: Reproduction of pain and or paresthesia in the median nerve distribution area (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and lateral 1/2 4th digit).

Indicates: Median neuritis, possibly carpal tunnel synrome

Question 3

Finkelstein Test

Answer 3

Positive: 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

Bunnel - Littler Test

Answer 4

Positive:

1. Flexion of the proximal interphalangeal joint cannot be achieved
2. Flextion of the proximal interphalangeal joint is achieved

Indicates:

1. Joint capsule contracture
2. Tight intrinsic muscles

Question 5

Retinacular Test

Answer 5

Positive:

1. flexion of the distal interphalangieal joint cannot be achieved
2. Flexion of the distal interphalangel joint is achieved

Indicates:

1. joint capsule contracture.
2. tight retinacular ligament

Question 6

Allen Test

Answer 6

Positive: A delay of more than 10 seconds (Evans 5 seconds) in returning a reddish color in the hand

Indicates: Radial or ulnar artery insufficiency. The artery held (occluded) by the examiner is NOT the artery being tested.