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Wrist and hand special tests quiz

Questions use only the figures on this library's test pages.

Last updated 30 October 2026. 8 questions. Each answer links to the test page it comes from; the region's tests are listed on the Wrist & hand cheat sheet.

Terms such as sensitivity, specificity, LR+ and LR− are explained in the glossary. A likelihood ratio above about 5 or below about 0.2 is doing real work; between 2 and 0.5 it is barely worth the time.

Question 1 of 8

Which of these tests best rules in carpal tunnel syndrome?

  1. Carpal compression test (Durkan's test)
  2. Tinel's sign (at the wrist)
  3. Phalen's test
  4. None of them: on these figures all three are barely worth the time
Show the answer

Answer: A. Carpal compression test (Durkan's test). Carpal compression test (Durkan's test) has the highest LR+, 3.76, against 2.1 for Tinel's sign (at the wrist) and 1.71 for Phalen's test. Its page still calls a positive result a small shift: “a positive result nudges the diagnosis up, but does not settle it.” See the test

Question 2 of 8

How far does a positive Phalen's test move the probability of carpal tunnel syndrome?

  1. Up clearly: it is doing real work (LR+ above about 5)
  2. Up a little: a small shift (LR+ between about 2 and 5)
  3. Barely: it is barely worth the time (LR+ below about 2)
  4. Down: a positive result makes it less likely
Show the answer

Answer: C. Barely: it is barely worth the time (LR+ below about 2). Phalen's test: LR+ 1.71. Its page: “barely informative: a positive result changes little.” See the test

Question 3 of 8

How far does a positive Watson (scaphoid shift) test move the probability of scapholunate ligament instability?

  1. Up clearly: it is doing real work (LR+ above about 5)
  2. Up a little: a small shift (LR+ between about 2 and 5)
  3. Barely: it is barely worth the time (LR+ below about 2)
  4. Down: a positive result makes it less likely
Show the answer

Answer: B. Up a little: a small shift (LR+ between about 2 and 5). Scaphoid shift (Watson) test: LR+ 2.27. Its page: “a small shift: a positive result nudges the diagnosis up, but does not settle it.” See the test

Question 4 of 8

How far does a negative Durkan's test move the probability of carpal tunnel syndrome?

  1. Down clearly: it is doing real work (LR− below about 0.2)
  2. Down a little: a small shift (LR− between about 0.2 and 0.5)
  3. Barely: it is barely worth the time (LR− above about 0.5)
  4. Up: a negative result makes it more likely
Show the answer

Answer: B. Down a little: a small shift (LR− between about 0.2 and 0.5). Carpal compression test (Durkan's test): LR− 0.43. Its page: “a small shift: a negative result nudges the diagnosis down, but does not exclude it.” See the test

Question 5 of 8

What counts as a positive Watson (scaphoid shift) test?

  1. Reproduction of the familiar basal-thumb pain, with or without crepitus.
  2. Pain over the first dorsal compartment during the resisted hold.
  3. A palpable or audible clunk, usually painful, as the scaphoid subluxes and then reduces when the thumb is released, especially if it differs from the other side (the criterion used in the source study).
  4. Sharp, focal tenderness reproducing the patient's ulnar-sided pain.
Show the answer

Answer: C. A palpable or audible clunk, usually painful, as the scaphoid subluxes and then reduces when the thumb is released, especially if it differs from the other side (the criterion used in the source study). The Scaphoid shift (Watson) test page: “A palpable or audible clunk, usually painful, as the scaphoid subluxes and then reduces when the thumb is released, especially if it differs from the other side (the criterion used in the source study). The study's definition required the clunk; pain alone was not part of it, so the figures do not apply to pain alone.” See the test

Question 6 of 8

What counts as a positive thumb CMC grind test?

  1. A palpable or audible clunk, usually painful, as the scaphoid subluxes and then reduces when the thumb is released, especially if it differs from the other side (the criterion used in the source study).
  2. Focal tenderness in the snuffbox after a fall on the outstretched hand.
  3. Reproduction of the familiar basal-thumb pain, with or without crepitus.
  4. Pain over the first dorsal compartment during the resisted hold.
Show the answer

Answer: C. Reproduction of the familiar basal-thumb pain, with or without crepitus. The Thumb CMC grind test page: “Reproduction of the familiar basal-thumb pain, with or without crepitus.” See the test

Question 7 of 8

Starting at 30% for carpal tunnel syndrome, what is the probability after a positive Durkan's test?

  1. 42%
  2. 16%
  3. 47%
  4. 62%
Show the answer

Answer: D. 62%. From the ladder on the Carpal compression test (Durkan's test) page: a starting 30% becomes 62% after a positive (LR+ 3.76: a small shift). See the test

Question 8 of 8

Starting at 30% for carpal tunnel syndrome, what is the probability after a positive Tinel's sign at the wrist?

  1. 30%
  2. 62%
  3. 47%
  4. 22%
Show the answer

Answer: C. 47%. From the ladder on the Tinel's sign (at the wrist) page: a starting 30% becomes 47% after a positive (LR+ 2.1: a small shift). See the test

Other quizzes: Shoulder · Knee · Neck · Low back & pelvis · Hip, groin & thigh · Foot, ankle & calf · Elbow & forearm. How the figures are chosen: Methods.

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