The major finding in patients with de Quervain's tenosynovitis is a positive Finkelstein's test. To perform Finkelstein's test (figure 6), ask the patient to oppose the thumb into the palm and flex the fingers of the same hand over the thumb.
Caption: FIGURE 6 Finkelstein's test Instruct the patient to perform a hook grip.
Perform Finkelstein's test after injection and palpate the first compartment, to determine if the injection was effective.
(12) Epidemiological studies in industrial settings have shown a point prevalence of 8% when wrist pain and a positive Finkelstein's test, with or without tenderness to palpation of the radial wrist were used as diagnostic criteria.
(25) Finkelstein's test is typically positive but should not be relied upon as the only finding for diagnosis of DQST.
A positive
Finkelstein's test at examination is seen.
(2-4) Diagnosis is usually concluded by a positive Finkelstein's test (which causes a reproduction of pain at the radial styloid), as well as the presence of a tender nodule over the radial styloid.
A re-evaluation was performed on the eighth visit which revealed a positive Finkelstein's test. In addition to the self-care she was previously prescribed, she was given a small "gua sha" tool to do gentle soft-tissue release on alternate days at home.
Pain at the radial styloid is increased by full flexion of the thumb and forced ulnar deviation of the wrist, a maneuver known as Finkelstein's test. [3,4] The condition may resolve without medical intervention or after treatment with a wrist splint, anti-inflammatory medications, injection of steroid into the tendon sheath, or surgery.
The diagnosis of de Quervain's disease was made on the basis of exquisite tenderness over the radial styloid process and a positive Finkelstein's test. Acetominophen was suggested for pain relief, and she was to return if the pain continued.