Hand: carpometacarpal arthritis of the thumb: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Orthopaedics · Hand: carpometacarpal arthritis of the thumb

Sample item

A 60-year-old woman has pain at the base of the thumb on opening jars. Axial compression of the thumb metacarpal with rotation against the trapezium reproduces the pain and crepitus. Which test is this?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. The carpometacarpal grind test

Compressing and rotating the first metacarpal on the trapezium reproduces pain and crepitus in osteoarthritis of the thumb carpometacarpal joint, which is common in postmenopausal women. Finkelstein test is for de Quervain tenosynovitis. Phalen test is for carpal tunnel syndrome and Froment test for ulnar palsy.

Option by option

  • A. Finkelstein test

    Finkelstein test detects first dorsal compartment tenosynovitis.

  • B. The carpometacarpal grind test (correct)

    Correct. The grind test provokes pain in basal thumb arthritis.

  • C. Phalen test

    Phalen test provokes median nerve compression symptoms.

  • D. Froment test

    Froment test evaluates adductor pollicis weakness.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Orthopaedics questions

Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is B, The carpometacarpal grind test. Compressing and rotating the first metacarpal on the trapezium reproduces pain and crepitus in osteoarthritis of the thumb carpometacarpal joint, which is common in postmenopausal women.

Why is "Finkelstein test" not the answer?

Finkelstein test detects first dorsal compartment tenosynovitis.

Why is "Phalen test" not the answer?

Phalen test provokes median nerve compression symptoms.

Why is "Froment test" not the answer?

Froment test evaluates adductor pollicis weakness.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Hand: carpometacarpal arthritis of the thumb in Orthopaedics. Finkelstein test is for de Quervain tenosynovitis. Phalen test is for carpal tunnel syndrome and Froment test for ulnar palsy.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Hand: carpometacarpal arthritis of the thumb?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.