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Clamp Sign

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Patellar Glide Test
Clamp sign for scaphoid fracture
Clamp sign[1]
  • Scaphoid Clamp Sign
  • Wrist Clamp Sign
  • Snuffbox Pinch Sign
  • Radial Wrist Pinch Sign
  • Scaphoid Localization Sign

Purpose

  • Help determine whether a fracture of the scaphoid is present when examining someone with wrist pain

Description

  • The examiner asks the patient to identify their area of greatest pain
  • Patient instinctively:
    • Places thumb on volar wrist
    • Index finger on dorsal wrist
    • “Clamps” the radial wrist/anatomic snuffbox region
  • Indicates precise localization of pain to the scaphoid

Pathology

Evidence

Scaphoid Fracture

  • Mallee et al[2]
    • Sensitivity: 26%
    • Specificity: 79%
    • LR+: 1.26
    • LR-: 0.93

See Also

References

  1. ↑ Skirven, Terri M., and A. Lee Osterman. "Clinical examination of the wrist." Rehabilitation of the hand and upper extremity. 7th ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier (2020): 62-75.
  2. ↑ Mallee, Wouter H., et al. "Clinical diagnostic evaluation for scaphoid fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis." The Journal of Hand Surgery 39.9 (2014): 1683-1691.
Created by:
John Kiel on 8 April 2026 19:15:10
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Last edited:
9 April 2026 16:17:48
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