Peripheral nerve injuries: entrapment: 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: entrapment

Sample item

A seamstress has night-time tingling of the thumb, index and middle fingers relieved by shaking the hand, and the symptoms reproduce on holding both wrists flexed for one minute. Which test is positive?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Phalen test

Reproduction of median nerve symptoms by sustained wrist flexion is Phalen's test, supporting carpal tunnel syndrome. Nerve conduction studies confirm it.

Option by option

  • A. Allen test

    The Allen test checks the patency of the radial and ulnar arteries.

  • B. Tinel sign at the cubital tunnel

    A Tinel sign at the elbow tests the ulnar nerve.

  • C. Phalen test (correct)

    Correct. Wrist flexion provoking median paraesthesia is Phalen's test.

  • D. Finkelstein test

    Finkelstein is used for de Quervain tenosynovitis.

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 C, Phalen test. Reproduction of median nerve symptoms by sustained wrist flexion is Phalen's test, supporting carpal tunnel syndrome.

Why is "Allen test" not the answer?

The Allen test checks the patency of the radial and ulnar arteries.

Why is "Tinel sign at the cubital tunnel" not the answer?

A Tinel sign at the elbow tests the ulnar nerve.

Why is "Finkelstein test" not the answer?

Finkelstein is used for de Quervain tenosynovitis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Peripheral nerve injuries: entrapment in Orthopaedics. Nerve conduction studies confirm it.

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: entrapment?

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.