Phalen's sign is most indicative of which condition?

Phalen's sign is most indicative of which condition?

• A. Ulnar neuropathy
• B. Carpal tunnel syndrome
• C. Radial tunnel syndrome
• D. De Quervain tenosynovitis

Answer: (B)

Phalen's sign tests median nerve compression at the carpal tunnel. When the wrists are held in full flexion, the carpal tunnel volume decreases and pressure on the median nerve increases, often provoking numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and radial half of the ring finger. This pattern is classic for carpal tunnel syndrome. This distinguishes it from ulnar neuropathy (affects the ulnar-sided digits and hand), radial tunnel syndrome (pain in the forearm without the median-nerve paresthesias), and De Quervain tenosynovitis (radial wrist pain from stenosing tenosynovitis at the first dorsal compartment, with focal tenderness and a positive Finkelstein test).

Phalen's sign tests median nerve compression at the carpal tunnel. When the wrists are held in full flexion, the carpal tunnel volume decreases and pressure on the median nerve increases, often provoking numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and radial half of the ring finger. This pattern is classic for carpal tunnel syndrome.

This distinguishes it from ulnar neuropathy (affects the ulnar-sided digits and hand), radial tunnel syndrome (pain in the forearm without the median-nerve paresthesias), and De Quervain tenosynovitis (radial wrist pain from stenosing tenosynovitis at the first dorsal compartment, with focal tenderness and a positive Finkelstein test).