Finkelstein's test

System: Muscles, Bones & Joints Signs · All muscles, bones & joints signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

The patient folds the thumb into the palm, closes the fingers over it, and bends the wrist toward the little finger; sharp pain over the thumb-side wrist tendons is positive.

What a positive finding suggests

Associated with de Quervain's tenosynovitis — inflammation of the thumb tendon sheaths.

◈ Behind the name

Harry Finkelstein (1865–1939), American orthopaedic surgeon.

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Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.