The Finkelstein test is used to diagnose DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis, a condition that causes wrist pain. The test involves slowly tugging on the thumb to determine if a pair of tendons is injured. The test is named after American surgeon Harry Finkelstein and can be self-administered with caution. Treatment for the condition depends on its severity and can include medication, wrist immobilization, and surgery.
Finkelstein’s test is a diagnostic test for patients with wrist pain. It is typically used to determine if the problem is due to DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis. In a typical test, the doctor will slowly tug on the patient’s thumb and evaluate the reaction. Based on the patient’s description of the intensity and location of the pain, a diagnosis can be made.
Some versions of the Finkelstein test involve several manipulations. The doctor may ask the patient to make a fist on a flexed thumb. However the test is conducted, the goal is to determine if a particular pair of tendons is injured. When the patient reports pain in the upper forearm, in an area known as the distal radius, the cause is usually DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis.
The motion used in the Finkelstein test is still, but smooth and slow. That’s because while it’s important to cause enough pain to make a definitive diagnosis, fast or jerky movements are more likely to cause additional damage. It may be necessary to pull the thumb or wrist several times to make a definitive assessment. In addition to using the test, a doctor will typically place pressure on the affected area to determine if there is tenderness.
A patient can self-administer the Finkelstein test if care is taken to prevent further injury. This can be a useful indicator of the need for further medical attention. Ultimately, only a doctor can make the final diagnosis.
The test is named after the American surgeon Harry Finkelstein. Although the method was already in use, he was the first to publish literature on the procedure. There were other similar methods previously used to diagnose the condition as well, but this was the first to provide reliable results.
DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis affects the tendons in the wrist closest to the thumb. It is characterized by inflammation, which causes pain. There is no known cause for the condition, although repetitive motion can make it worse. This can include simple movements or manipulations such as clenching a fist or grabbing an object.
Treatment and recovery time for DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis depends on the severity of the condition. If discovered early on, recovery usually takes only one to two months. Severe cases may require surgery and wrist immobilization for months. The more common cases can usually be treated with several types of methods, including medications and keeping the wrist still with a splint.
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