Nerve signs

Question 1

Froment’s sign- what is it used for and positive findings

Answer 1

Assess for ulnar nerve palsy
Adductor pollicis muscle function tested
Hold a piece of paper between their thumb and index finger. The object is then pulled away. If ulnar nerve palsy, unable to hold the paper and will flex the flexor pollicis longus to compensate (flexion of thumb at interphalangeal joint).

Question 2

Phalen’s test - what is it used for and positive findings

Answer 2

Assess carpal tunnel syndrome
More sensitive than Tinel’s sign
Hold wrist in maximum flexion and the test is positive if there is numbness in the median nerve distribution.

Question 3

Tinel’s sign- what is it used for and positive findings

Answer 3

Assess for carpal tunnel syndrome
Tap the median nerve at the wrist and the test is positive if there is tingling/electric-like sensations over the distribution of the median nerve.