Wrist & Hand
TFCC & Impingement
Evidence: uncertain
Ulnocarpal Abutment Test Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Diagnosing TFCC Tears or Ulnocarpal Impingement Syndrome.
How to Perform
- Action: Examiner ulnarly deviates the patient's wrist while applying an axial compressive load.
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: Reproduction of ulnar-sided wrist pain, clicking, or popping.
- Why: This compresses the TFCC and ulnar carpus against the distal ulna.
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Ulnocarpal Abutment 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 Ulnocarpal Abutment Test with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Nakamura, R. et al. (1997). Journal of Hand Surgery.
