Finkelsteins Test
Other Names
- Finkelstein Test
- Finkelstein's Test
- Finkelstein's Maneuver
- De Quervain Test
- Wrist Pain Test
- Thumb Abduction Test
- De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Test
Purpose
- Provocative test for De Quervains Tenosynovitis
- Specifically, it antagonizes the components of the 1st dorsal compartment of the wrist:
- First described by Finkelstein in 1930[4]
Description
- The patient can be seated or standing
- Note: Multiple descriptions of the test exist in the literature
- Finkelstein's original description
- The examiner grasps the patients thumb
- They then pull in ulnar deviation and longitudinal traction
- Commonly accepted alternative (in reality this is Eichhoffs Test)
- The patient is asked to make a fist around their thumb with wrist in a neutral position
- They then actively or passively apply ulnar deviation
- Positive test
- Pain with ulnar deviation, especially radiating up the forearm
Pathology
Evidence
- Wu et al[5]
- Specificity: 100%
See Also
References
- ↑ Goubau, J. F., et al. "The wrist hyperflexion and abduction of the thumb (WHAT) test: a more specific and sensitive test to diagnose de Quervain tenosynovitis than the Eichhoff’s Test." Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume) 39.3 (2014): 286-292.
- ↑ Almoallim, Hani, et al. "Approach to Musculoskeletal Examination." Skills in Rheumatology (2021): 17-65.
- ↑ Vomer, Rock P., et al. "Evaluation of the Hand and Wrist via Telephone and Video Visit." Cureus 15.2 (2023): e35322.
- ↑ Finkelstein, Harry. "Stenosing tendovaginitis at the radial styloid process." JBJS 12.3 (1930): 509-540.
- ↑ Wu, Feiran, Asim Rajpura, and Dilraj Sandher. "Finkelstein's test is superior to Eichhoff's test in the investigation of de Quervain's disease." Journal of hand and microsurgery 10.02 (2018): 116-118.
Created by:
John Kiel on 24 July 2019 17:03:43
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Last edited:
3 November 2025 15:55:01
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