Wrist & Hand
Instability
Evidence: suggestive
Lunotriquetral Ballottement Test Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Assessing instability of the Lunotriquetral Ligament.
How to Perform
- Position: Examiner stabilizes the lunate with the thumb and index finger of one hand.
- Action: Grasp the triquetrum/pisiform with the other hand and shear it anteriorly and posteriorly against the lunate.
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: Pain, laxity, or crepitus compared to the unaffected side.
- Why: The shearing force stresses the ligament directly.
Diagnostic Accuracy
- Sensitivity: 64%
- Specificity: 44%