User:Bcobb3/Phalen's Test

Phalen's Test is designed to stress the median nerve and test for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Phalen's Test

Purpose
Phalen's Test is used to reproduce symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Procedure
The patient should be seated or standing, with the examiner in front of the patient. The examiner applies pressure during passive wrist flexion and holds it for one minute. The procedure is then repeated for the opposite extremity.

Mechanism
Phalen's test stresses the median nerve.

Results
If tingling or numbness occurs throughout the median nerve distal to the carpal tunnel, the median nerve could be compressed. Pain in the wrist area, without radicular pain distally toward the hand, may indicate carpal bone pathology.

Adverse Effects
Phalen's test is generally a reliable test when looking for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

History
Phalen's test was created by the American orthopedist, George S. Phalen.