What Test Wrist?
The "What test," or Wrist Hyperflexion and Abduction of the Thumb (WHAT) test, is used to diagnose De Quervain's tenosynovitis. It's a more precise diagnostic tool than the Eichhoff test for this condition.
To perform the test, the patient is asked to maximally flex their wrist within their pain tolerance while keeping their thumb fully extended and abducted. Remember, thumb extension is movement towards the radial side (thumb side) in the palm's plane, and abduction moves the thumb away from the palm. Pain during this maneuver suggests De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. It causes pain and inflammation along the tendons that control thumb movement.
Alternative Tests
While the WHAT test is a valuable tool, other tests may also be used to diagnose wrist conditions, such as:
- Phalen's test: This assesses for carpal tunnel syndrome by applying pressure to the median nerve in the wrist.
- Nerve conduction studies: These use electrical impulses to assess nerve damage, often used in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Physical exam: This involves testing finger sensation and hand muscle strength, and may include wrist bending.
The WHAT test, developed in 2014, offers a more specific approach than some older methods for identifying De Quervain's tenosynovitis. The test's effectiveness stems from its targeted assessment of the specific tendons involved in this condition.
