Finkelstein Test

What is a Finkelstein Test?

For the purpose of identifying De Quervain's tenosynovitis, a physical examination technique known as the is used. Due to this disorder, the tendons connecting the wrist to the thumb are inflamed and irritated. It may make it difficult to hold or twist objects, induce swelling, and cause pain.

During the Finkelstein test, the patient forms a fist with their thumb tucked between their fingers. The healthcare provider stabilizes the patient's forearm and wrist to gently draw the hand toward the pinky finger. This movement stretches the thumb and wrist tendons. The patient may have De Quervain's tenosynovitis if they complain of pain in their wrist or thumb.

The Finkelstein test is just one of many diagnostic instruments for assessing wrist and hand pain. It's vital to remember that. Imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds may also be performed as additional tests. The healthcare professional will also perform a complete medical history and physical examination to rule out any potential reasons for wrist pain.

How does this printable Finkelstein’s Test work?

The printable Finkelstein's test is a tool used to assist healthcare providers in diagnosing De Quervain's tenosynovitis. It is a simple and easy-to-use template that allows the provider to document the patient's response to the Finkelstein test.

Here are the steps involved in using/filling out the template:

1. Begin by explaining the purpose of the Finkelstein test to the patient and obtaining their consent.

2. Have the patient make a fist with their thumb tucked inside their fingers.

3. Stabilize the patient's forearm and wrist with one hand, and use the other hand to pull the patient's hand towards their pinky finger gently.

4. Ask the patient to report any pain or discomfort they experience during the test.

5. Record the patient's response on the printable Finkelstein's test template, noting the location and severity of any pain or discomfort.

6. Repeat the test, on the other hand, and record the results on the template.

7. Use the results of the Finkelstein test, along with other diagnostic tools and the patient's medical history, to make a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.

Scoring

The Finkelstein test does not have a standardized scoring system because its primary purpose is a diagnostic instrument rather than a quantitative indicator of severity. Instead, the medical professional doing the test will note if the patient feels pain or discomfort while executing the move.

During the Finkelstein test, patients may have De Quervain's tenosynovitis if they complain of pain or discomfort in the wrist or thumb. The Finkelstein test may miss milder forms of the illness. Thus a negative result does not rule out this diagnosis. Other diagnostic techniques, including imaging scans or in-depth physical exams, could be required to confirm the diagnosis.

When to use these Finkelstein assessments?

The Finkelstein test is a diagnostic tool used to assess for De Quervain's tenosynovitis, which causes inflammation of the tendons in the wrist and thumb. 

Healthcare providers may use Finkelstein assessments in a variety of settings, including:

Clinical evaluations:

A physical examination may include the Finkelstein test to help identify De Quervain's tenosynovitis. The Finkelstein test may be applied to patients who complain of wrist or thumb pain, swelling, or tenderness to help with the diagnosis.

Occupational health screenings: 

De Quervain's tenosynovitis may be more likely to occur in employees who repeatedly move their hands or wrists, such as those who work on assembly lines. To identify employees at risk for this condition, Finkelstein assessments may be utilized as a component of an occupational health screening.

Sports medicine evaluations: 

De Quervain's tenosynovitis may be more likely to develop in athletes who play sports like golf or racquetball that require repetitive wrist or thumb motions. During a sports medicine evaluation, Finkelstein assessments may help identify this issue and create a suitable treatment strategy.

Who is this Finkelstein Test PDF for?

The Finkelstein Test PDF template is primarily designed for healthcare providers who may need to diagnose and manage patients with wrist and thumb pain, particularly in cases where De Quervain's tenosynovitis is suspected.

Here are some examples of healthcare providers who may find the Finkelstein Test PDF template helpful:

Primary care physicians:

Patients with wrist and thumb pain frequently visit their primary care providers first. To help with the diagnosis of De Quervain's tenosynovitis and create an effective treatment strategy, they may employ the Finkelstein Test PDF template as a component of a physical examination.

Physical therapists:

Patients diagnosed with De Quervain's tenosynovitis may work with physical therapists to create exercise regimens and other interventions to help control symptoms. The Finkelstein Test PDF template can help track the patient's progress and ensure the treatment works.

Occupational therapists:

Patients who have De Quervain's tenosynovitis due to their line of work may be treated by occupational therapists. The patient's work-related activities can be recorded using the Finkelstein Test PDF template, which can also offer information to employers and other healthcare professionals to help manage the condition.

Sports medicine physicians:

Sports medicine doctors may treat athletes with De Quervain's tenosynovitis from overusing their wrists and thumbs. The athlete's progress can be tracked using the Finkelstein Test PDF form, which confirms that the given treatment successfully reduces symptoms and delays the onset of new damage.

Benefits of these free Finkelstein Test Templates

Using the Finkelstein Test Templates can offer several benefits, including:

Standardization:

The template provides a standardized format for documenting the results of the Finkelstein test, which can aid in accurately diagnosing and treating De Quervain's tenosynovitis.

Time-saving:

Using a template can save healthcare providers time by eliminating the need to create a document from scratch.

Accessibility:

The free template availability online makes it accessible to a wide range of healthcare providers.

Improved patient care:

The Finkelstein Test Templates can help ensure that patients with De Quervain's tenosynovitis receive timely and appropriate care.

Consistency:

Using a template can help ensure that the Finkelstein test is performed consistently, improving the reliability and validity of the test results.

Cost-effective:

As the templates are free, they can help save healthcare providers and clinics money by not having to purchase expensive software or resources.