Which statement correctly describes the Finkelstein's test protocol?

Which statement correctly describes the Finkelstein's test protocol?

• A. Wrists are held in full flexion with dorsal surfaces pressed together for up to 60 seconds
• B. Thumb is flexed into palm, fingers wrapped over thumb, and wrist is passively ulnar deviated
• C. Thumb extended into palm, fingers wrapped over thumb, and wrist is passively radial deviated
• D. Thumb is flexed into palm, fingers extended, and the wrist is neutral

Answer: (B)

Finkelstein’s test is used to detect De Quervain’s tenosynovitis by selectively stretching the tendons in the first extensor compartment (abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis). The maneuver involves tucking the thumb into the palm with the fingers wrapped over it to form a fist, then passively deviating the wrist toward the pinky side (ulnar deviation). This position lengthens and tensions the APL and EPB tendons as they pass under the first dorsal compartment, so pain at the radial (thumb) side of the wrist suggests inflammation. The other options describe different tests or incorrect mechanics (Phalen’s test with full wrist flexion, radial deviation instead of ulnar, or lacking the thumb-in-pist/fist positioning), so they don’t describe the Finkelstein protocol.

Finkelstein’s test is used to detect De Quervain’s tenosynovitis by selectively stretching the tendons in the first extensor compartment (abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis). The maneuver involves tucking the thumb into the palm with the fingers wrapped over it to form a fist, then passively deviating the wrist toward the pinky side (ulnar deviation). This position lengthens and tensions the APL and EPB tendons as they pass under the first dorsal compartment, so pain at the radial (thumb) side of the wrist suggests inflammation. The other options describe different tests or incorrect mechanics (Phalen’s test with full wrist flexion, radial deviation instead of ulnar, or lacking the thumb-in-pist/fist positioning), so they don’t describe the Finkelstein protocol.