Eichhoff's test is an orthopedic examination used to help diagnose De Quervain's tenosynovitis, a condition causing pain and inflammation in the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. It's less reliable than the Finkelstein test, often producing false-positive results.
How Eichhoff's Test is Performed
The test involves these steps:
- The patient is instructed to oppose their thumb to the palm.
- Then, they are asked to clench their fingers over the thumb.
- The examiner gently deviates the wrist towards the ulnar side (pinky finger side).
- A positive test is indicated by pain experienced over the tendons of the extensor pollicis brevis (a muscle in the thumb).
Comparison with Finkelstein's Test
Numerous studies have shown that Finkelstein's test is superior to Eichhoff's test. Finkelstein's test demonstrates higher specificity and significantly fewer false-positive results making it the preferred diagnostic test for De Quervain's tenosynovitis. Finkelstein's test, a modification of Eichhoff's test, involves passively flexing the thumb into the palm while ulnarly deviating the wrist.
Limitations of Eichhoff's Test
- High rate of false positives: This means the test may indicate De Quervain's tenosynovitis even when the condition is not present.
- Less accurate: Compared to the Finkelstein test, it has lower sensitivity and specificity.
- Less reliable: Research consistently indicates that the Finkelstein test is a more accurate and reliable method for diagnosing De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
