Which assessment method is used to diagnose Dequervain's Tenosynovitis?

• A. Wrist Flexion Test
• B. Phalen's Test
• C. Finkelstein's Test
• D. Barlon's Test

Answer: (C)

Finkelstein's Test is specifically designed to diagnose De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, which is characterized by pain along the tendons of the thumb, particularly when those tendons are engaged in movement. During this test, the patient is asked to make a fist with their thumb tucked inside the fingers and then to tilt their wrist toward the little finger. If pain is elicited along the radial side of the wrist, it indicates a positive result for De Quervain's Tenosynovitis. This test directly assesses the involved tendons, specifically the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons, which are affected by this condition.

In contrast, the other assessment methods mentioned do not specifically target the structures involved in De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, making them less suitable for diagnosing this condition. For instance, Phalen's Test and Barlon's Test are used for assessing carpal tunnel syndrome and are focused on different paths and structures within the wrist. The Wrist Flexion Test, while it may indicate issues with wrist mobility, does not isolate the symptoms of De Quervain's Tenosynovitis effectively.