Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Tinel Test of the Wrist

also known as Hoffmann-Tinel sign
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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

Lightly tap (percuss) over the median nerve on the palmar side of the wrist, just distal to the wrist crease. A positive test is a tingling or electric sensation radiating into the thumb, index, middle, and radial half of the ring finger.

How to Interpret

Showing all 1 finding

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Tinel sign positive
Rule in
Somewhat helpful
Rule out
—
Evidence:Strong

References

  • Dabbagh A, MacDermid JC, Yong J, Packham TL, Grewal R, Boutsikari EC. Diagnostic Test Accuracy of Provocative Maneuvers for the Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Phys Ther. 2023 Jun 5;103(6):pzad029. doi:10.1093/ptj/pzad029. PMID 37366626. PRISMA systematic review with random-effects meta-analysis and QUADAS-2 risk-of-bias assessment; electrodiagnostic reference standard. (D'Arcy & McGee 2000 JAMA Rational Clinical Examination, PMID 10865306, retained as corroboration in the notes.)
  • Tinel J. Le signe du “fourmillement” dans les lésions des nerfs périphériques. Presse Méd. 1915.

Related Diagnoses

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Related Systems / Regions

NeurologicalUpper Extremities

Related Bedside Tests

🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Phalen Test
Rule in:MHCarpal Tunnel Syndrome
Rule out:MHCarpal Tunnel Syndrome
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Hand Strength
Rule in:MHCarpal Tunnel Syndrome (Median Neuropathy), IEUlnar Neuropathy (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome)
Rule out:SHCarpal Tunnel Syndrome (Median Neuropathy), IEUlnar Neuropathy (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome)
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Tinel Test of the Elbow
Rule in:NHCubital Tunnel Syndrome (Ulnar Neuropathy at the Elbow)
Rule out:NHCubital Tunnel Syndrome (Ulnar Neuropathy at the Elbow)
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Wrist and Hand Palpation
Rule in:IEDe Quervain Tenosynovitis, IEHand Osteoarthritis, IERheumatoid Arthritis (Inflammatory Arthritis)
Rule out:HScaphoid Fracture, IEDe Quervain Tenosynovitis, IEHand Osteoarthritis +1 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Allen Test
aka Modified Allen test
Rule in:VHInadequate Hand Collateral Circulation (Incomplete Palmar Arch), IEHand Ischemia Following Radial Artery Puncture or Cannulation, IERadial or Ulnar Arterial Occlusion (E.g., Thromboangiitis Obliterans, Post-cannulation Occlusion)
Rule out:SHInadequate Hand Collateral Circulation (Incomplete Palmar Arch), IEHand Ischemia Following Radial Artery Puncture or Cannulation, IERadial or Ulnar Arterial Occlusion (E.g., Thromboangiitis Obliterans, Post-cannulation Occlusion)
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Finkelstein Test
Rule in:NHDe Quervain Tenosynovitis
Rule out:NHDe Quervain Tenosynovitis