Finkelstein's test is used to diagnose which condition?

Finkelstein's test is used to diagnose which condition?

• A. Carpal tunnel syndrome
• B. De Quervain's tenosynovitis
• C. Trigger finger
• D. Wrist fracture

Answer: (B)

Finkelstein's test is specifically designed to diagnose De Quervain's tenosynovitis, a condition that affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. During the test, the patient makes a fist with the thumb tucked inside the fingers, and then the clinician gently ulnar deviates the wrist. A positive result is indicated by sharp pain over the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons, which are the tendons affected in De Quervain's tenosynovitis. In contrast, carpal tunnel syndrome is characterized by symptoms related to the median nerve, and while there are several tests for it, Finkelstein's test is not one of them. Trigger finger is associated with the fingers locking or catching when flexed, and it has its own specific clinical tests. A wrist fracture can present with pain and swelling but is evaluated through different mechanisms, often involving imaging studies. Therefore, Finkelstein's test is uniquely suited for diagnosing De Quervain's tenosynovitis, making it the correct choice in this context.

Finkelstein's test is specifically designed to diagnose De Quervain's tenosynovitis, a condition that affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. During the test, the patient makes a fist with the thumb tucked inside the fingers, and then the clinician gently ulnar deviates the wrist. A positive result is indicated by sharp pain over the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons, which are the tendons affected in De Quervain's tenosynovitis.

In contrast, carpal tunnel syndrome is characterized by symptoms related to the median nerve, and while there are several tests for it, Finkelstein's test is not one of them. Trigger finger is associated with the fingers locking or catching when flexed, and it has its own specific clinical tests. A wrist fracture can present with pain and swelling but is evaluated through different mechanisms, often involving imaging studies. Therefore, Finkelstein's test is uniquely suited for diagnosing De Quervain's tenosynovitis, making it the correct choice in this context.