Finkelstein’s test – What is the purpose, indication and relevance?

Finkelstein’s Test: Client is seated with their arm adducted and their elbow in 90° flexion. Client places their thumb in the centre of their palm and makes a fist, wrapping the fingers around the thumb. Client attempts to place wrist in ulnar deviation.

Purpose:

• Assess for de Wuervain’s tenosynovitis

Indications:

• Pain, tenderness or swelling of the radial aspect of the wrist
• Difficulty gripping objects

Relevance:

• Positive test – pain along extensor and abductor tendons is indicative of de Quervain’s tendosynovitis

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This post was written by Omar Rifai