What is the technique used to elicit the Phalen sign during a physical exam?

What is the technique used to elicit the Phalen sign during a physical exam?

• A. Asking the patient to rotate the wrist
• B. Placing elbows on a table with forearms vertical and flexing wrists
• C. Extending the arm while flexing the wrist
• D. Asking the patient to flex fingers in a fist

Answer: (B)

The technique used to elicit the Phalen sign involves placing the elbows on a table with the forearms vertical and flexing the wrists. This method increases the pressure in the carpal tunnel, which can compress the median nerve. The Phalen sign is considered positive if the patient experiences tingling or numbness in the distribution of the median nerve within 60 seconds during this maneuver, indicating potential carpal tunnel syndrome. This technique is specifically designed to reproduce the symptoms associated with median nerve compression, making it a valuable diagnostic tool in evaluating wrist and hand conditions.

The technique used to elicit the Phalen sign involves placing the elbows on a table with the forearms vertical and flexing the wrists. This method increases the pressure in the carpal tunnel, which can compress the median nerve. The Phalen sign is considered positive if the patient experiences tingling or numbness in the distribution of the median nerve within 60 seconds during this maneuver, indicating potential carpal tunnel syndrome.

This technique is specifically designed to reproduce the symptoms associated with median nerve compression, making it a valuable diagnostic tool in evaluating wrist and hand conditions.