Which maneuver is used to diagnose De Quervain's Tendonitis?

The Finkelstein maneuver is the standard test utilized to diagnose De Quervain's Tendonitis. This condition involves inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, specifically the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons.

To perform the Finkelstein maneuver, a patient is asked to tuck their thumb into their palm and then close their fingers around it. The clinician then gently deviates the wrist in an ulnar direction (toward the little finger). If this action produces pain along the radial side of the wrist, it typically indicates the presence of De Quervain's Tendonitis. This precise maneuver targets the involved tendons, helping to confirm the diagnosis based on the characteristic pain response.

Other commonly employed tests for different conditions include Phalen's test and Tinel's sign, which are used in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome, and the Supination test targets different wrist and forearm issues. Therefore, the Finkelstein maneuver is specifically designed for assessing De Quervain's, making it the appropriate choice in this context.