Finkelstein Test
Finkelstein tests are diagnostic maneuvers used to assess for De Quervain's tenosynovitis, a painful condition affecting the thumb and wrist. Learn more.
Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.
What is a Finkelstein Test?
For the purpose of identifying De Quervain's tenosynovitis, a physical examination technique known as the is used. Due to this disorder, the tendons connecting the wrist to the thumb are inflamed and irritated. It may make it difficult to hold or twist objects, induce swelling, and cause pain.
During the Finkelstein test, the patient forms a fist with their thumb tucked between their fingers. The healthcare provider stabilizes the patient's forearm and wrist to gently draw the hand toward the pinky finger. This movement stretches the thumb and wrist tendons. The patient may have De Quervain's tenosynovitis if they complain of pain in their wrist or thumb.
The Finkelstein test is just one of many diagnostic instruments for assessing wrist and hand pain. It's vital to remember that. Imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds may also be performed as additional tests. The healthcare professional will also perform a complete medical history and physical examination to rule out any potential reasons for wrist pain.
Printable Finkelstein Test
Download this Finkelstein Test to assess for De Quervain's tenosynovitis in your patients.
How does this printable Finkelstein’s Test work?
The printable Finkelstein's test is a tool used to assist healthcare providers in diagnosing De Quervain's tenosynovitis. It is a simple and easy-to-use template that allows the provider to document the patient's response to the Finkelstein test.
Here are the steps involved in using/filling out the template:
- Begin by explaining the purpose of the Finkelstein test to the patient and obtaining their consent.
- Have the patient make a fist with their thumb tucked inside their fingers.
- Stabilize the patient's forearm and wrist with one hand, and use the other hand to pull the patient's hand towards their pinky finger gently.
- Ask the patient to report any pain or discomfort they experience during the test.
- Record the patient's response on the printable Finkelstein's test template, noting the location and severity of any pain or discomfort.
- Repeat the test, on the other hand, and record the results on the template.
- Use the results of the Finkelstein test, along with other diagnostic tools and the patient's medical history, to make a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.
Scoring
The Finkelstein test does not have a standardized scoring system because its primary purpose is a diagnostic instrument rather than a quantitative indicator of severity. Instead, the medical professional doing the test will note if the patient feels pain or discomfort while executing the move.
During the Finkelstein test, patients may have De Quervain's tenosynovitis if they complain of pain or discomfort in the wrist or thumb. The Finkelstein test may miss milder forms of the illness. Thus a negative result does not rule out this diagnosis. Other diagnostic techniques, including imaging scans or in-depth physical exams, could be required to confirm the diagnosis.
Finkelstein Test example (sample)
The Finkelstein's test printable template typically has areas for the patient's name, birthdate, test date, and healthcare provider's name. Additionally, there is room to note the test outcomes for both the right and left hands. Checkboxes in the template may also indicate if the test result for De Quervain's tenosynovitis was positive or negative.
Download this Finkelstein Test Example (Sample) here:
When to use these Finkelstein assessments?
The Finkelstein test is a diagnostic tool used to assess for De Quervain's tenosynovitis, which causes inflammation of the tendons in the wrist and thumb.
Healthcare providers may use Finkelstein assessments in a variety of settings, including:
Clinical evaluations:
A physical examination may include the Finkelstein test to help identify De Quervain's tenosynovitis. The Finkelstein test may be applied to patients who complain of wrist or thumb pain, swelling, or tenderness to help with the diagnosis.
Occupational health screenings:
De Quervain's tenosynovitis may be more likely to occur in employees who repeatedly move their hands or wrists, such as those who work on assembly lines. To identify employees at risk for this condition, Finkelstein assessments may be utilized as a component of an occupational health screening.
Sports medicine evaluations:
De Quervain's tenosynovitis may be more likely to develop in athletes who play sports like golf or racquetball that require repetitive wrist or thumb motions. During a sports medicine evaluation, Finkelstein assessments may help identify this issue and create a suitable treatment strategy.
Benefits of these free Finkelstein Test Templates
Using the Finkelstein Test Templates can offer several benefits, including:
Standardization:
The template provides a standardized format for documenting the results of the Finkelstein test, which can aid in accurately diagnosing and treating De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
Time-saving:
Using a template can save healthcare providers time by eliminating the need to create a document from scratch.
Accessibility:
The free template availability online makes it accessible to a wide range of healthcare providers.
Improved patient care:
The Finkelstein Test Templates can help ensure that patients with De Quervain's tenosynovitis receive timely and appropriate care.
Consistency:
Using a template can help ensure that the Finkelstein test is performed consistently, improving the reliability and validity of the test results.
Cost-effective:
As the templates are free, they can help save healthcare providers and clinics money by not having to purchase expensive software or resources.
Why use this Finkelstein Test app?
The Finkelstein Test app offered by Carepatron provides several advantages for healthcare providers in diagnosing and managing De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
The Finkelstein Test app is designed with a user-friendly interface, accurate diagnosis, real-time results, easy to share, mobile accessibility, integration with other Carepatron tools, and integration with other Carepatron tools. It provides a standardized way to perform the test, helping ensure an accurate and reliable diagnosis of De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
The app provides real-time results, allowing healthcare providers to document the results quickly and easily. Results can be easily shared with other healthcare providers, improving care coordination. The app is part of the larger Carepatron platform, which includes various other tools and resources for healthcare providers.
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Commonly asked questions
The Finkelstein Test is indicated when a patient presents with symptoms such as pain, swelling, or tenderness on the thumb side of the wrist, which may suggest De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
The Finkelstein Test is generally considered safe and low-risk. However, in rare cases, it may cause pain or discomfort in the wrist.
A Finkelstein Test template can provide a standardized way to document the test results, ensuring an accurate and reliable diagnosis of De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
While it is possible to perform a version of the Finkelstein Test at home, it is recommended that a trained healthcare provider perform the test to ensure accurate and safe results.
