Wrist & Hand
Tendinopathy
Evidence: confirmed
Finkelstein's Test Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Diagnosing De Quervain's Tenosynovitis.
How to Perform
- Action: Patient makes a fist with the thumb tucked inside the fingers. Examiner passively ulnar deviates the wrist.
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: Sharp pain along the radial styloid (1st extensor compartment).
- Why: This stretches the inflamed Extensor Pollicis Brevis and Abductor Pollicis Longus tendons.
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Finkelstein's Test 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 Finkelstein's Test with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
