What method can help assess for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Phalen's sign is a clinical examination method specifically used to assess for carpal tunnel syndrome, which is caused by compression of the median nerve at the wrist. In this test, the patient is asked to flex their wrists and hold that position for about 30 to 60 seconds. A positive Phalen's sign occurs when this maneuver elicits symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or pain in the distribution of the median nerve, typically felt in the thumb, index finger, and part of the middle finger. This test is significant because it reproduces the symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, thus providing evidence that wrist flexion increases pressure on the median nerve.

The other tests mentioned do not assess for carpal tunnel syndrome specifically. For example, Finkelstein's test is used to identify De Quervain's tenosynovitis, while the straight leg raise test evaluates for lumbar radiculopathy or nerve root irritation, particularly in the context of sciatica. Adson's test assesses for thoracic outlet syndrome by checking for changes in radial pulse with head movement and arm position. Therefore, these methods do not provide the targeted assessment for carpal tunnel syndrome that Phalen's sign offers.