Phalen’s Test
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Purpose
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To test for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Technique
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Have the patient place flexed elbows on a table, allowing his or her wrists to fall into maximum flexion. The patient is asked to push the dorsal surface of their hands together and hold this position for 30-60 seconds. This position with increase the pressure in the carpal tunnel in effect pinch the median nerve between the transverse carpal ligament and the anterior boarder of the distal end of the radius. A positive sign produces paresthesia in the distribution of the median nerve; burning, tingling or numb sensation over the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers. [1][2]
Evidence[edit | edit source]
Sensitivity: 51%-91%[2]
Specificity: 33%-88%[2]
Due to the wide ranges of Sen and Sp in studies it has been concluded that the Phalen's maneuver should only be used in an adjunctive manner in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome. [1]
Resources[edit | edit source]
add any relevant resources here
References
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- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Urbano, FL. Tinel's Sign and Phalen's Maneuver: Physical Signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Hosptial Physician 2000;Jul,39-44. http://www.turner-white.com/pdf/hp_jul00_tinel.pdf (accessed 20Dec2009)
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Wikipedia-Phalens Maneuver. http://www.enwikipedia.org/wiki/Phalen's_maneuver (accessed 20 Dec 2009)
