Watson Test (Scaphoid Shift) Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Diagnosing Scapholunate Ligament Instability.
How to Perform
- Position: Examiner places a thumb on the scaphoid tubercle (palmar side) and moves the patient's wrist from Ulnar Deviation into Radial Deviation.
- Action: Apply constant dorsal pressure on the scaphoid to prevent it from flexing.
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: A palpable "clunk" or shift as the scaphoid subluxes over the dorsal rim of the radius, often with dorsal pain.
Diagnostic Accuracy
- Sensitivity: 69%
- Specificity: 66%
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Watson Test (Scaphoid Shift) 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 Watson Test (Scaphoid Shift) with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
