{"id":162114,"date":"2026-07-23T09:05:41","date_gmt":"2026-07-23T09:05:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/?p=162114"},"modified":"2026-08-12T13:56:01","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T13:56:01","slug":"finkelstein-test","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/nl\/blog\/finkelstein-test\/","title":{"rendered":"Finkelstein test: Procedure, interpretation, and clinical workflow"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Finkelstein test is the primary clinical provocation test for diagnosing De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, a stenosing inflammation of the first dorsal compartment tendons at the wrist.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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The original Finkelstein maneuver differs from the Eichhoff variation: in the true test, the examiner grips the thumb and passively deviates the wrist; most practices perform the Eichhoff but label it Finkelstein.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Reported sensitivity and specificity vary across studies and the underlying evidence is limited; intersection syndrome, basilar thumb arthritis, and scaphoid pathology can all produce false positives.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Pabau’s digital clinical forms and structured client records let practitioners log special test findings, link them to a treatment plan, and track outcomes without leaving the platform.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n\n\n

Radial-sided wrist pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal presentations in physical therapy, sports medicine, and occupational health practices. Without a reliable provocation test, distinguishing De Quervain’s tenosynovitis from intersection syndrome, basilar thumb arthritis, or a scaphoid injury is largely guesswork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Finkelstein test<\/strong> addresses this directly: a simple, reproducible maneuver that stresses the tendons of the first dorsal compartment and reproduces the patient’s pain when De Quervain’s is present. This guide covers how to administer it correctly, how to interpret the result, and where clinical documentation fits into the diagnostic workflow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the Finkelstein test and when should you use it?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Finkelstein test is a provocative clinical maneuver designed to reproduce pain along the abductor pollicis longus (APL) and extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) tendons by placing them under tensile load. A positive finding strongly supports a diagnosis of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, also described as stenosing tenosynovitis of the first dorsal compartment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use it when a patient presents with radial-sided wrist pain, tenderness at or near the radial styloid, and pain with pinching or gripping activities. It is especially indicated for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n