Tinel’s Sign

Special test of neuropathy

Authors
Affiliations

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Carpal Tunnel

“The Tinel test is used to assist in the diagnosis of CTS. The area over the median nerve is tapped gently at the anterior (palmar) surface of the wrist (Fig. 18-62). If this produces tingling in the median nerve distribution, then the test is positive. Variations exist among studies on the location and number of taps necessary to elicit a positive response, and in some studies the test is performed by tapping the median nerve in 20 degrees of wrist extension, while others tap along the path of the median nerve up to where the median nerve enters the carpal tunnel.”

Cubital tunnel syndrome

Radial nerve entrapment

Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Superficial peroneal neuropathy

Brachial Plexus Version

  • AKA: Supraclavicular pressure test
  • Tests if the brachial plexus is compromised in the interscalene triangle

Technique

  • Patient is seated
  • Ask the pt to to SB neck contralaterally (to uninvolved side)
  • Clinician taps or squeezes trunks of brachial plexus using fingers

Interpretation

  • Local pain
    • Indicates cervical plexus lesion
  • Tingling along one of the trunks: Indicates: Compression/neuroma of one or more trunks of brachial plexus

References

1.
Dutton M. Dutton’s Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, and Intervention. 5th ed. McGraw Hill Education; 2020.
2.
Hooper TL, Denton J, McGalliard MK, Brismée JM, Sizer PS. Thoracic outlet syndrome: A controversial clinical condition. Part 1: Anatomy, and clinical examination/diagnosis. The Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy. 2010;18(2):74-83. doi:10.1179/106698110X12640740712734

Citation

For attribution, please cite this work as: