Wrist & Hand Nerve Compression Evidence: suggestive

Tinel's Sign (Wrist) Special Test

Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide

Tinel's Sign (Wrist) Orthopedic Special Test

What is it used for?

  • Diagnosing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Median Nerve).

How to Perform

  • Action: Examiner lightly taps (percusses) over the median nerve at the carpal tunnel (wrist crease).

Interpretation of Results

  • Positive Test: Tingling or "electric shock" sensation in the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
  • Why: An irritated nerve is hypersensitive to mechanical percussion.

Diagnostic Accuracy

  • Sensitivity: 70%
  • Specificity: 90%

Clinical Context & Limitations

The Tinel's Sign (Wrist) should be considered as one component of a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. No single special test has perfect diagnostic accuracy; thus, clinical decision-making should integrate test results with patient-reported symptoms, mechanism of injury, functional impairment, and relevant imaging.

Clinicians should be aware of potential false-positive results in patients with pain sensitisation, muscle guarding, or poor relaxation. For the Wrist & Hand region, combining the Tinel's Sign (Wrist) with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.

References

  • Researchgate

Further Clinical Exploration

CMC Grind Test
Wrist & Hand Examination

CMC Grind Test

Lunotriquetral Ballottement Test
Wrist & Hand Examination

Lunotriquetral Ballottement Test

Watson Test (Scaphoid Shift)
Wrist & Hand Examination

Watson Test (Scaphoid Shift)

Ulnocarpal Abutment Test
Wrist & Hand Examination

Ulnocarpal Abutment Test