Special Tests Elbow/Wrist/Hand

These flashcards cover key special tests used to assess nerve and joint conditions in the upper extremities.

Pinch Grip Test

A test where the patient pinches their thumb and index finger together; inability indicates entrapment of the anterior interosseous nerve.

Pronator Teres Syndrome Test

A test where the clinician resists forearm pronation; pain indicates a positive test.

Tinel's Sign

A test that involves tapping or rubbing at the ulnar nerve to check for nerve compromise.

Moving Valgus Test

A test where a valgus stress is applied at the elbow while moving from flexion to extension; pain or popping indicates a positive test.

Valgus Stress Test

A test that checks the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) by applying a valgus force to the elbow.

Varus Stress Test

A test that checks the radial collateral ligament (RCL) by applying a varus force to the elbow.

Lateral Epicondylitis Test

A test where wrist extension is resisted while palpating the lateral epicondyle to assess for lateral epicondylitis.

Medial Epicondylitis Test

A test where resisted flexion is applied while palpating the medial epicondyle to assess for medial epicondylitis.

Finkelstein's Test

A test for deQuervain's syndrome where the patient makes a fist with the thumb tucked inside, and wrist ulnar deviation is tested.

Phalen's Test

A test where both wrists are flexed and pushed together for 1 minute; numbness or tingling indicates a positive test.

Long Bone Compression Test

A test involving axial force through the first metacarpal; pain in the snuffbox indicates a scaphoid fracture.

Lunotriquetral Ballotment Test

A test where the triquetrum is slid anteriorly and posteriorly to assess for pain or instability in the lunate.

Murphy's Sign

A test where the patient makes a fist; if the 3rd metacarpal is even with the 2nd and 4th, it indicates lunate dislocation.

Glide Stress Test

Anterior/posterior pressure at wrist/ or all finger joints

Murphy’s sign tests for

Lunate Dislocation/instability

Lunotriquetral Ballotment tests for

Lunate dislocation

Valgus/Varus (wrist) tests for

Wrist/finger sprains

Glide tests for

wrist/finger sprains

Long bone compression tests for

Scaphoid fracture if pain in snuffbox

Finkelstines tests for

Tenosynovitis if sharp pain

Valgus stress tests (elbow)

UCL

Varus stress tests for (elbow)

RCL

pinch grip tests for

entrapment of

the anterior interosseous nerve

Tinels sign (elbow)

Nerve compromise