Which provocative test is described for Carpal Tunnel syndrome?

Which provocative test is described for Carpal Tunnel syndrome?

• A. Tinel's Sign at Wrist
• B. Phalen's Maneuver
• C. Finkelstein's Test
• D. Tinel's Sign at Elbow

Answer: (A)

Provoking the median nerve at the carpal tunnel is the way CTS tests work. Tinel's sign at the wrist achieves this by tapping gently over the carpal tunnel. If that percussion reproduces numbness or tingling in the median-nerve distribution (thumb, index, middle finger, and half of the ring finger), it points to compression of the median nerve at the tunnel. This direct, site-specific provocation makes it a clear indicator for carpal tunnel syndrome. Phalen's maneuver is another CTS test that stresses the nerve via wrist flexion, but tapping at the tunnel provides a straightforward, quick check. Finkelstein's test targets De Quervain's tenosynovitis, not CTS, and Tinel's sign at the elbow assesses ulnar nerve irritation at the cubital tunnel rather than the median nerve.

Provoking the median nerve at the carpal tunnel is the way CTS tests work. Tinel's sign at the wrist achieves this by tapping gently over the carpal tunnel. If that percussion reproduces numbness or tingling in the median-nerve distribution (thumb, index, middle finger, and half of the ring finger), it points to compression of the median nerve at the tunnel. This direct, site-specific provocation makes it a clear indicator for carpal tunnel syndrome. Phalen's maneuver is another CTS test that stresses the nerve via wrist flexion, but tapping at the tunnel provides a straightforward, quick check. Finkelstein's test targets De Quervain's tenosynovitis, not CTS, and Tinel's sign at the elbow assesses ulnar nerve irritation at the cubital tunnel rather than the median nerve.