Wrist & Hand
Nerve Compression
Evidence: confirmed
Jeanne's Sign Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Diagnosing Ulnar Nerve Paralysis.
How to Perform
- Action: Perform a key pinch (similar to Froment's Sign).
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: Hyperextension of the Thumb MCP joint.
- Why: Loss of stabilizing force from the Adductor Pollicis.
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Jeanne's Sign 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 Jeanne's Sign with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
