Tinel's sign at the wrist is positive for compression of which nerve?

• A. Median nerve
• B. Ulnar nerve
• C. Radial nerve
• D. Axillary nerve

Answer: (A)

Tinel's sign at the wrist checks for irritation or compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel. When tapping over the carpal tunnel, a positive sign produces tingling or electric-like sensations in the distribution of the median nerve, which includes the palmar surfaces of the thumb, index, middle, and radial half of the ring finger. This pattern points to carpal tunnel syndrome. In contrast, ulnar nerve compression at the wrist would affect the little finger and ulnar half of the ring finger, radial nerve issues at the wrist affect different dorsal hand areas, and the axillary nerve relates to the shoulder, not the wrist.