Tinel’s Sign

Special test of neuropathy

Authors

Affiliations

Nathaniel Yomogida, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

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 triangle¹

Technique

• Patient is seated²
• Ask the pt to to SB neck contralaterally (to uninvolved side)²
• Clinician taps or squeezes trunks of brachial plexus using fingers

Interpretation

• Local pain²
  • Indicates cervical plexus lesion²
• Tingling along one of the trunks:² Indicates: Compression/neuroma of one or more trunks of brachial plexus²

References

1.

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

2.

Dutton M. Dutton’s Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, and Intervention. 5th ed. McGraw Hill Education; 2020.