Phalen test is used to evaluate which condition?

• A. De Quervain tenosynovitis
• B. Carpal tunnel syndrome
• C. Tinel sign
• D. Lateral epicondylitis

Answer: (B)

Phalen maneuver tests for compression of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel. When the wrists are flexed fully (palms facing each other) for about a minute, pressure inside the carpal tunnel increases. If numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and radial half of the ring finger appears or worsens, it suggests carpal tunnel syndrome due to median nerve irritation.

This is distinct from other tests: De Quervain tenosynovitis is evaluated with Finkelstein’s test, which looks for pain at the first dorsal compartment; a Tinel sign involves tapping over the median nerve to provoke paresthesias; and lateral epicondylitis is tested by pain with resisted wrist extension around the elbow.