Tinel’s Test
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Purpose[edit | edit source]
Tinel's test is used to test for compression neuropathy, commonly in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome.[1]
Technique[edit | edit source]
It is performed by lightly tapping (percussing) over the nerve to elicit a sensation of tingling or "pins and needles" in the distribution of the nerve.[2] The Tinel sign is the tingling or prickling sensation elicited by the percussion of an injured nerve trunk at or distal to the site of the lesion. The sign also indicates nerve regeneration.[1]
Positive test: The test is positive when a tingling or prickling sensation is felt in the distribution of the nerve.
Negative test: The patient feels no pain.
Tinel's Sign at the Wrist video provided by Clinically Relevant
Tinel's Sign at the Elbow video provided by Clinically Relevant
Tinel's Sign for Brachial Plexus video provided by Clinically Relevant
Evidence[edit | edit source]
The tinel’s test is a specific test for the carpal tunnel syndrome and can be used as indication for medical management.[3]
It is concluded that it is difficult to identify patients with tibial nerve compression at the ankle or foot region reliably with traditional electrodiagnostic techniques, even in the absence of neuropathy, and that the presence of a positive "Tinel" sign over the tibial nerve in the tarsal tunnel can identify this as a site of chronic nerve compression.[4]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Davis EN, Chung KC. The Tinel sign: a historical perspective. Plastic and reconstructive surgery. 2004 Aug 1;114(2):494-9.
- ↑ Tinel J, Kaplan EB. The “tingling” sign in peripheral nerve lesions. Injuries to the major branches of peripheral nerves of the forearm. 1978:8.
- ↑ Clinical diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome: old tests-new concepts. El Miedany Y, Ashour S, Youssef S, Mehanna A, Meky FA. Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
- ↑ Dellon AL. | The four medial ankle tunnels: a critical review of perceptions of tarsal tunnel syndrome and neuropathy. | Neurosurg Clin N Am. | 2008 Oct;19(4):629-48, vii
