Finkelstein test

Last revised by David Luong on 7 Feb 2022

The Finkelstein test is a clinical test used to assess the presence of De Quervain's tenosynovitis in people with wrist pain. It is performed by grasping the patient's thumb and deviating the hand in the ulnar direction. If a sharp pain is elicited along the distal radius, this is considered to make de Quervain's tenosynovitis likely. Possible mimics include carpometacarpal arthritis, intersection syndrome, and scaphoid fractures 1.

History and etymology

It is named after Harry Finkelstein (1865-1939), an American surgeon who first described it in 1930.

ADVERTISEMENT: Supporters see fewer/no ads

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.