Peripheral nerve injuries: carpal compression test: 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.

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Orthopaedics · Peripheral nerve injuries: carpal compression test

Sample item

In a patient with suspected carpal tunnel syndrome, the examiner presses firmly with the thumbs over the carpal tunnel for 30 seconds and the symptoms are reproduced. What is the name of this test?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Durkan test

The Durkan test, also called the carpal compression test, applies direct pressure over the median nerve at the wrist and reproduces paraesthesia in the median nerve distribution. It is at least as sensitive as the Phalen test.

Option by option

  • A. Froment test

    Froment sign tests adductor pollicis in ulnar nerve palsy.

  • B. Durkan test (correct)

    Correct. Direct compression over the carpal tunnel defines the Durkan test.

  • C. Finkelstein test

    Finkelstein test is used in de Quervain tenosynovitis and involves ulnar deviation with the thumb flexed.

  • D. Phalen test

    The Phalen test relies on wrist flexion for one minute and not pressure.

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.

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Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is B, Durkan test. The Durkan test, also called the carpal compression test, applies direct pressure over the median nerve at the wrist and reproduces paraesthesia in the median nerve distribution.

Why is "Froment test" not the answer?

Froment sign tests adductor pollicis in ulnar nerve palsy.

Why is "Finkelstein test" not the answer?

Finkelstein test is used in de Quervain tenosynovitis and involves ulnar deviation with the thumb flexed.

Why is "Phalen test" not the answer?

The Phalen test relies on wrist flexion for one minute and not pressure.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Peripheral nerve injuries: carpal compression test in Orthopaedics. It is at least as sensitive as the Phalen test.

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 Peripheral nerve injuries: carpal compression test?

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.