Finkelstein's test is used to diagnose which condition?

• A. De Quervain's tenosynovitis
• B. Carpal tunnel syndrome
• C. Lateral epicondylitis
• D. Trigger finger

Answer: (A)

Finkelstein's test targets the first dorsal compartment of the wrist, where the tendons of the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis pass. A positive result occurs when the maneuver—having the thumb tucked in a fist and the wrist passively deviated toward the ulnar side—causes pain along the radial aspect of the wrist. This pain indicates stenosing tenosynovitis of those tendons, i.e., De Quervain's tenosynovitis.

Other conditions involve different structures and tests: carpal tunnel syndrome relates to median nerve compression and is evaluated with Phalen's or Tinel's tests; lateral epicondylitis involves the elbow with pain on resisted wrist or finger extension; trigger finger involves catching or locking from flexor tendon sheath stenosis, not the first dorsal compartment.